History of ArtToys

ArtToys, also known as designer toys, are collectible toys that are created by artists and designers. They have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people considering them to be a form of contemporary art. The history of art toys goes back to the 1990s, when a group of artists and designers began creating limited edition toys for collectors. These toys were often based on comic book characters, Japanese kaiju monsters, and other pop culture icons.

One of the earliest and most influential art toy designers was Michael Lau, who began creating hand-painted figures in the mid-1990s. His figures, which were called “Gardener” figures, were popular with collectors and helped to establish the art toy movement.

Another important figure in the history of art toys is Hong Kong-based designer Eric So, who began creating limited edition figures in the late 1990s. So’s figures were often based on Hong Kong cinema and pop culture, and were highly sought after by collectors.

In the early 2000s, the art toy movement began to gain mainstream recognition, with major brands like Nike and Coca-Cola commissioning artists to create limited edition toys and figures. This helped to bring art toys to a wider audience and establish them as a legitimate form of contemporary art.

Today, the art toy movement is thriving, with artists and designers from all over the world creating unique and innovative toys and figures. From vinyl figures to plush toys to resin sculptures, art toys come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, making them a fascinating and exciting part of contemporary art culture.