The Fascination of Art Toys: A Grown-Up Passion for Collecting

Ever wondered why grown-ups are into collecting art toys? It’s not about playing with them; it’s about curating a unique collection that reflects personal tastes and passions. Whether it’s the charm of tiny figures from vending machines or Teddy bears, adults are diving into the world of art toys. This industry has been buzzing for the last two decades, and the recent TUD project featuring “The Ugly Duck” is proof of its dynamic evolution. Collaborations with Mike Tyson and global plans for 2024 are putting “The Ugly Duck” in the spotlight. Let’s take a peek behind the scenes of the art toy phenomenon.

Collecting has always been a thing—stamps, vinyl records, rare books, you name it. Now, art toys arepart of the desired objects list. Check out celebrity homes, and you might spot bears, pieces by AndyWarhol or unusual art pieces.

Art toys as a phenomenon

Medicom Toy’s story began when founder Tatsuhiko Akashi got hooked on figurines at a local store. In Japan, the early 20th century saw a craze for collectibles, inspired by anime and manga characters that left a mark on generations. BEARBRICK, visually resembling a LEGO bear, is not just a toy; it’s a canvas. It can transform into any character, adopt different prints, and collaborate with brands like Karimoku and Emotionally Unavailable for unique editions.

Another popular art collectible, Mr. DOB by Japanese fine artist Takashi Murakami adds a whimsical touch. Mr. DOB, with his sharp-toothed grin, is a creation that transcends his ever-changing appearance. His name, derived from the Japanese slang expression “dobojite” or “why?,” is literally spelled out over his face, ensuring we recognize him in all his playful variations. Murakami’s creation adds another layer of charm to the diverse universe of art toys.

In the U.S., the art toy trend made its way from Asia, gaining momentum with the influence of Warhol’s pop art and the rise of hypebeasts in the 2010s. Street culture and hip-hop artists played a pivotal role in making these figurines a cultural phenomenon.

 One standout character emerged from the blend of American and Japanese cultures—graffiti artist and former Disney animator Brian Donnelly, aka KAWS. His creation, the iconic “Companion,” has evolved since 1999 and became a cultural symbol, from winning awards to being part of high-profile fashion collections. KAWS even took it a step further with the project, featuring giant inflatable “Companions” touring the globe in 2018.

Playing “toys” game 

Art toys are not just playthings; they’ve carved a niche in contemporary art, gaining value akin to paintings and sculptures. A Karl Lagerfeld-designed BEARBRICK fetched $30,000 at Christie’s in 2019, and its resale value surpassed $60,000 on StockX in 2023. The priciest KAWS Companion figures go for tens of thousands of dollars. Starting with figures worth a few thousand dollars can turn out to be a savvy investment, with the potential for significant returns.

Enter “The Ugly Duck” by TUD Toy —a recent player in the scene. These peculiar figures, devoid of material wealth, have found success through courage and talent. The visual narrative of the ugly duckling now adds a unique touch to home interiors.

“The Ugly Duck’s” success is evident in its collaborations. In its first year, TUD partnered with California artist Punk Me Tender and boxer Mike Tyson. This year introduces the “Chromatic Avant-Garde” collection, inspired by Pantone colors, each representing different facets of personality. These limited-edition figures come with an embedded NFC tag for authenticity.

Today, the hunt for art toys rivals the excitement of snagging the latest sneakers. The first series of “ugly ducklings” flew off the shelves in less than a day. Creators infuse these objects with themes that resonate with our inner child, exploring cultural phenomena. These toys break free from traditional galleries, making them more accessible and appealing to a younger generation of collectors. The evident commercial and cultural potential of this collecting phenomenon underscores its significance in the contemporary art scene.