Fresh off the high of 3 Grammy award wins, Pharrell’s golden touch seems to be unwavering. A musical genius and thriving fashion designer, he is now looking to conquer yet another realm — art. The-man-who-never-ages is set to guest curate the “This Is Not A Toy” exhibition at Toronto’s Design Exchange museum.
Co-curated by collector John Wee Tom and DX Associate Curator Sara Nickelson, the visually mesmerizing exhibition features artwork directly from Pharrell’s own private collection. From his Sponge Bob and Smurf-inspired KAWS paintings to his MediCom “Kubrick” Beetles and Daft Punk figures, you’ll get a personal look into dazzling artistic inhabitants of the mogul’s Miami residence.
“This Is A Toy” will appeal to your inner-child featuring over 700 urban vinyl pieces from the likes of Takashi Murakami, the aforementioned KAWS, Coarse, Huck Gee, FriendsWithYou and several others. Per DX’s website:
“The exhibition explores the conceptual toy – a form made solely as an expression of an aesthetic, concept or idea – as an art and design object as well as a contemporary cultural signifier … visitors dive headfirst into the realm of designer toys as the Exhibition Hall is transformed into a vibrant and whimsical environment, filled with forms ranging from tiny trinkets to enormous free-standing pieces. “
Pharrell was introduced to the world of designer toys by his friend and mentor, A Bathing Ape creator, Nigo, back in the 90’s during a trip to Japan. “I couldn’t believe that life had evolved to the point that grown-ups were playing with toys!” P told The Star. “It opened up this whole crazy world for me.”
Check out a preview of “This Is Not A Toy” in the pages below.
-Khari Clarke (@KINGCLARKEIII)
