Tenacious Ninja - A Blog About Art Toys

Neozapoteca by Camote Toys available now ! ! !

Neozapoteca by Camote Toys available now ! ! !

1- Artwork name: The Muralist
- Description:
Handmade ceramic toy sculpture.
Burnished black clay (low-fire) from San Bartolo Coyotepec, México.
Size: 17,5 x 8 x 18 cm / 7 x 3 x 7 in
2- Artwork name: The Messenger
- Description:
Handmade ceramic toy sculpture.
Burnished clay (low-fire) from Donají, México, and beeswax.
Size: 16 x 9 x 13 cm / 6.25 x 3.5 x 5 in
3- Artwork name: The Corn Vendor
- Description:
Handmade ceramic toy sculpture.
Glazed clay (high-fire) from Zacatecas, México, with iron oxide and rutile wash.
Size: 13,5 x 9 x 15 cm / 5.25 x 3.5 x 6 in
4- Artwork name: La Catrina
- Description:
Handmade ceramic toy sculpture.
Burnished red clay (low-fire) from San Marcos Tlapazola, Mexico.
Size: 14,5 x 7,5 x 6,5 cm / 5,75 x 3 x 2.5 in
5- Artwork name: The Player
- Description:
Handmade ceramic toy sculpture.
Burnished clay (low-fire) from Santa María Atzompa, Mexico, and semi-reduction firing.
Size: 16 x 8 x 9 cm / 6.25 x 3.25 x 3.5 in
- Artwork info: Neozapoteca has interest in archaeological contexts and evidences of crafts and activities within the pre-hispanic Zapotec culture, creating a dialogue across time to propose extended narratives from “new” social reinterpretations in the current globalized context.

Camote Toys' work in Oaxaca is the result of a practice based on the research of ancestral heritage, traditions and materials. In this case, he took ceramics as a key trigger in history, a material loaded with time, a measure of advancement in society and a resource that requires natural elements for its transformation.
*Each one of the pieces was made with local clay and techniques from different communities in Oaxaca.

- Artist name: Camote Toys
- Location: Argentina
- Online store: http://camotetoys.storenvy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camote.toys/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camote.toys
- Sale info:
- $125 each figure
- Release date: April 16th, 2021
- One-off pieces. Each figure comes boxed with original artwork and includes a wooden base and certificate of authenticity.
- Available at online store
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Ashley Longshore First Art Toy Draped in Dapper Dan Gucci Dropped by Compton III

Ashley Longshore First Art Toy Draped in Dapper Dan Gucci Dropped by Compton III

Compton III, known for SPY BOY, his rendition of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian in art toy form, has revealed his latest series, Big Steppa!. Towering at 19 inches, Big.Ash.Energy is an art toy influenced by the aesthetics of Ashley Longshore, the New Orleans-based pop artist.

Big.Ash.Energy is a head-turner honoring local New Orleans artists. The neckline holds custom pendant chains featuring New Orleans artists. Placed on the left, Ceaux of Axiom Gallery and right Big Chief Demond Melancon of the Young Seminole Hunters, are dear friends and teachers to Compton, both of whom expressed deep admiration for Longshore. The back of the rose gold Gucci tracksuit salutes designer Dapper Dan while the shoes nod to the 90's hip hop staple, Bally design, with Drake OVO owl references, and the wrist embellished with custom Rolex watches.

Intentionally overdone, each detail on the piece speaks to the vitality of pop culture. Big.Ash.Energy captures Ashley Longshore’s dichotomous over-the-top, bigger-than-life personality while also celebrating her artistry.

Instagram: @justcoolcompton

Website: SpaceBroccoli.com

 

About Compton III

Compton III is an American artist based in New Orleans, Louisiana. As a native New Orleanian, Compton’s work champions the narrative and social realities of the Black male identity in New Orleans.  He is the first art toy designer in Louisiana with his debut art toy, SPY BOY. He serves as the creator of Space Broccoli™featuring the Tunes. The continuation of his work captures the coexistence of nostalgic necessities and contemporary fantasies. Compton III works alongside other international artists within the Axiom Gallery in New Orleans.

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‘More Than A Toy’ Exhibition Highlights Designer Art Toys; Engages Visitors with Difficult Conversations’

‘More Than A Toy’ Exhibition Highlights Designer Art Toys; Engages Visitors with Difficult Conversations’

A new exhibit at Syracuse University’s Sue and Leon Genet Gallery at the School of Design features 285 toys. Not one of them, however, is to be played with.

More Than a Toy highlights designer art toys, which, despite their name, are art objects produced for aesthetic and conceptual purposes, often as vehicles to deliver messages about critical societal topics.

The designer art toy movement was born in the mid-1990s when youth interest in small trinkets released in limited quantities by clothing stores caught the attention of art entrepreneurs.

“The exhibit offers an overview of the history, design processes and mass market appeal that elevated designer art toys from niche collectibles to a recognized contemporary art form,” said Ethan Clearfield, curator and M.A. candidate in Museum Studies at Syracuse University. “We are asking visitors to remember that the collection represents more than toys,” Clearfield said. “They are works of art, messages, statements, barrier breakers, conversation starters and vehicles for change."

The two-part exhibition is the first to place new focus on the innovators working in this cutting-edge art form and the topics they are tackling including mental health, climate change, the drug epidemic, COVID-19, racial injustice, environmental degradation and more. “I designed this exhibition to provide visitors with an opportunity to understand the impact of our global society, to understand how their choices impact the planet and one another,” Clearfield said. “After viewing the show, I hope visitors will realize that they are never going through any hardships alone.”

The exhibition also features two programs open to Syracuse University students and faculty. The first is a DIY custom art toy workshop with Australian artist Dave Behrens on Friday, May 7th at 6:00 PM. (registration required, learn more). The second is a power of art and wellness program with Lena DeLeo, a certified art therapist that is sponsored by CNY Safe Space and planned for May 13.

More Than a Toy will be on view April 26 through May 22 at the Nancy Cantor Warehouse, 350 W. Fayette Street, Syracuse, NY.

The exhibition is open to the public, but due to University COVID-19 protocols it will be available to the public by appointment only. Appointments can be made by contacting Clearfield at emclearf@syr.edu. The exhibition will also be online at @more_than_a_toy on Instagram.

About the Sue and Leon Genet Gallery

Based in the School of Design at the Nancy Cantor Warehouse, the Sue and Leon Genet Gallery is a student-managed space hosting exhibitions from the school’s students, faculty, and alumni. Programing seeks to engage the University and downtown Syracuse community with exhibitions inspired by and related to the field of design.

Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Friday 12-5 pm, or by appointment.

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The VSOG Silver Quiccs X Czee Canbot ! ! !

The VSOG Silver Quiccs X Czee Canbot ! ! !

The VSOG Silver Canbot!

Quiccs X Czee Canbot


The second and final color of the most luxurious Canbot ever created!

Standing at 5.5” with its trademark rattle, the VSOG Silver features Czee 13’s trademark OG pattern perfectly wrapped and merged into Quiccs Lil Qwiky design. Printed in metallic paints, the detail on this Canbot makes it the ultimate street art designer toy.



The VSOG Silver is a NTWRK exclusive of 300 pieces.

Priced at $85.  Available immediately, shipping in 1 week

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Vandul Walk, Black Hoodie Edition, NTWRK Exclusive!!!

Vandul Walk, Black Hoodie Edition, NTWRK Exclusive!!!

The Vandul Walk Vinyl Figure: $150

The First Vandul Vinyl Toy!

The Vandul Walk

Vandul Walk, Black Hoodie Edition, NTWRK Exclusive!!!

The first-ever vinyl toy from the enigmatic, elusive, and mysterious LA-based mystery street artist, Vandul. Rising to fame over the last two years, his drops are hot and sell out within minutes. Don’t sleep!

The Vandul Walk, measures 7” tall and is limited to 100 pieces worldwide, $150 each.

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Mecha-Frogs 3.25 inches tall by Sentinel Co Available Now! ! !

Mecha-Frogs 3.25 inches tall by Sentinel Co Available Now! ! !

KerouNen is an exciting collaboration between renowned indie mech-designer Kow Yokoyama and equally famous cute character creator Takeyama Noriya.

Produced by Sentinel Co. Ltd., these soft vinyl Mecha-Frogs stand 3.25 inches tall, are fully pose-able and feature a detachable tadpole pilot.

Series 2 features four all new patterns and colorways.

  • Fuku-zou (Orange)
  • Ken-zou (Yellow)
  • Robo-zou (Grey)
  • Rai-zou (Metallic Blue)


Each KerouNen will be sold separately. Collect them all!!

Sentinel Co., Ltd. 
Aizumi Ueno Bldg. 3F
1-18-10 Ueno, Taito-ku,
Tokyo 110-0005 JAPAN
https://sen-ti-nel.co.jp/contact/

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The Air Dondi X Clutter at Superchief Gallery NFT !

The Air Dondi X Clutter at Superchief Gallery NFT !

DROPPING TODAY!, April 7th, at 6pm EST, Clutter will be releasing their 1st official NFT Edition Drop!

The Air Dondi NFT & Sculpture Edition

Superchief Gallery NFT the WORLDS FIRST NFT gallery, situated in the heart of NYC's Union Square, is honored to present legendary Graffiti artist Dondi White 1st official NFT Edition Drop! In partnership with Clutter and the Dondi White Estate.
- - - - -
Releasing TODAY, April 7, which would have been Dondi's 60th birthday, at 6 pm (est) exclusively on @superchiefgallerynft 

-------

A 1 of 1 NFT Auction of The Air Dondi Genesis NFT!

A limited-edition NFT with a total of 30 available as follows:

- 15 Air Dondi NFTs available at 1 Etherium each
&
- 15 Air Dondi NFTs that come with an officially licensed figure (just 15 total pieces), cast in high-impact resin at 2 Etherium each.

Produced in a matte black color way, don’t miss out on being one of the lucky few to own this piece of history!
- - - - -
Standing at 12"x12"x4", the Air Dondi comes in a custom wooden box with a COA from Clutter and the Dondi White Estate. 

About Dondi White:
 

Born in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn, Dondi was the youngest of five children. He was of African American and Italian American descent. He attended a Catholic school during his sophomore years. By 1975, East New York became an unstable region with racial tensions and social conflicts such as the prominence of gangs. In an interview with Zephyr, Dondi stated that he had joined several gangs in the 1970s to avoid being attacked. Anxious to leave high school behind, he earned his GED in 1984, took a job in a government office, and began to indulge his interest in graffiti.

Graffiti became a serious part of Dondi's life in the mid-1970s. He tagged using "NACO" and "DONDI", and worked on refining his style, gradually moving from simple tagging to building more elaborate pieces. Using the name Dondi (a version of his own name) was considered very risky at the time, as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the New York Police Department (NYPD) were trying to crack down on writers. In 1979, Dondi officially adopted his name when he painted a giant piece on the roof of his house.

He became a member of TOP crew (The Odd Partners) in 1977. In 1978, Dondi formed his own crew, named CIA (Crazy Inside Artists), which included other prominent artists such as his good friend DURO. For the next 20-odd years, Dondi became recognized as the stylistic standard, influencing generations of graffiti writers.

Dondi pioneered many of the styles and techniques still used by modern graffiti artists.[citation needed] Though he would often do wildstyle pieces for the benefit of other writers (like the famous 2MANY piece), he wanted the public to be able to read and enjoy his work, so he would focus on readable letters with intricate fills and characters.

His most famous work was Children of the Grave Parts 1, 2 and 3—three whole cars on the New York City Subway in the years 1978 through 1980. The name of the piece was taken from a Black Sabbath song. Journalist Martha Cooper filmed the final piece from start to finish. On this last piece, Dondi adopted the cartoon characters from the late Vaughn Bode. He later painted a version of Children of the Grave 3 in a studio.

He was the first graffiti artist to have a one-man show in the Netherlands and Germany, and his work is collected by European museums.

As attested by newspapers and magazines of the early 1980s, like People magazine he worked with the Fun Gallery and together with artists of the like of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Lee Quinones, Keith Haring, ERO (Dominique Philbert), Rammellzee, Fab 5 Freddy, Futura 2000, Toxic, Zephyr, and others, he brought Graffiti art from the streets to art galleries, and museums of the United States, Europe, and Japan.

Dondi died on October 2, 1998.


https://www.instagram.com/dondi_the_real/
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Artist Spotlights: Micro Custom Runs - HOT ACTOR ! ! !

Artist Spotlights: Micro Custom Runs - HOT ACTOR ! ! !

Artist Spotlights; 5" Dunny Micro Custom Releases!

Clutter is proud to bring you a new series of artist spotlights, with limited micro-run releases of 5" custom Dunny.

Throughout the year, Clutter is working with top toy customizer talent to bring you monthly drops of 6 custom 5" Dunny by artists such as One-Eyed Girl, Beanie Bat, Mus Musculus, Czee13, Vanessa Ramierez, Frank Montano, Cat Atomic, and more! 

 

March Madness; Hot Actor!

We are proud to present 6, one-off customs by Hawaii's own Hot Actor!

Brining his well-known characters to the Dunny Platform, Hot Actor reinvents his Raw-man, Puck & Rizzo, and Rebel characters to perfectly fit the form.

Dropping on Wed, March 31st, 2021, at 12 pm (EST) be sure to get in quickly.

About Hot Actor:

Hot Actor is an artist living in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. He began the bulk of his early art career as a set and Mural painter for theatre productions. Winning several Hawaii State Council "Pookela" awards for his elaborate set designs covered in his art. Moving away from that world he began canvas painting. He is attracted to bright bold, beautiful palettes of color and loves to incorporate and display them in his work. He walks a tightrope between two styles of Art. The first is deviations on popular cartoon characters. He loves adding his own commentary to classic pop culture cartoon images or just mashing two pop culture characters together to create something new. The second style is original characters illustrated. Creating new characters and stories in the medium of Pencil line work, Painting, and digital design. Along with this, he is also a designer toy customizer. Frequently switching up his style from project to project in order to fulfill whatever vision the toy has inspired in him to customize and create a new.

https://www.instagram.com/hot_actor_/

About Clutter:

Clutter, established in 2004, is a portal to the global subculture community of Designer Toys and Underground Art. From festivals to art openings to pop-up events, we have our finger on the pulse of this diverse and welcoming community.  

As a Gallery, Clutter works closely with international artists to curate original shows and releases. Whether it's a high-end resin made in our New York fabrication studio, or collectible vinyl produced using one of our overseas manufacturing partners in China or Japan, Clutter puts love, hard work, and dedication into every piece we create.

With multiple events throughout the year, we are dedicated to providing the toy community with in-person gatherings and toy releases, all culminating with Clutters’ Five Points Festival and the Designer Toy Awards.  

And yes, sometimes we publish a magazine.

https://www.clutter.co
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‘X,’ the First Ever Invasion Toys Custom Show Goes Live This Weekend! [Preview Gallery]

‘X,’ the First Ever Invasion Toys Custom Show Goes Live This Weekend! [Preview Gallery]

In collaboration with After Five Studio, X will showcase work from 11 artists worldwide

After months of planning and hard work, we are proud to present X, an Invasion Toys custom show! Featuring work from 11 artists from across the globe, X uses a vinyl platform created by our friends over at After Five Studio.

In collaboration with After Five Studio, X will showcase work from 11 artists worldwide

After months of planning and hard work, we are proud to present X, an Invasion Toys custom show! Featuring work from 11 artists from across the globe, X uses a vinyl platform created by our friends over at After Five Studio.

After Five Studio regularly collaborates with and features works by artists all over the world. They have put on their own designer toy shows at locations across Mexico and regularly participate in art events in Chicago. They are the creators of X, the platform of our latest and greatest custom show.

What is X?

Aside from the name of our toy show, X is After Five Studio’s vinyl take on Xoloitzcuintli, the Mexican hairless dog. According to ancient lore, Xolos act as guides for those souls journeying to the underworld.

In collaboration with After Five Studio, X will showcase work from 11 artists worldwide

After months of planning and hard work, we are proud to present X, an Invasion Toys custom show! Featuring work from 11 artists from across the globe, X uses a vinyl platform created by our friends over at After Five Studio.

invasion toys x show event poster

Who is After Five Studio?

After Five is a design studio based in Chicago, but whose heart lives in Mexico. They have worked with companies such as Black Horizon Brewing Company, music festivals such as Guadalajara’s Roxy Fest, and have produced several designer art toys since 2018.

After Five Studio regularly collaborates with and features works by artists all over the world. They have put on their own designer toy shows at locations across Mexico and regularly participate in art events in Chicago. They are the creators of X, the platform of our latest and greatest custom show.

What is X?

Aside from the name of our toy show, X is After Five Studio’s vinyl take on Xoloitzcuintli, the Mexican hairless dog. According to ancient lore, Xolos act as guides for those souls journeying to the underworld.

According to After Five:

Art is personal. 2018 turned out to be a year of loss for us, and we embarked on a journey to turn this loss into an homage for our departed.

X is our reinterpretation of the Aztec psychopomp: the Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican hairless dog). Through him, we explored the journey of the Tonalli (vital energy) through Mictlan (the Aztec underworld). 

X is the physical representation of a goodbye we were unable to say… 

After Five Studio

Ok, now what about the X show?

At Invasion Toys, we love and respect the in-house ethos of After Five Studio. That’s why we’ve teamed up with them for our first ever custom toy event (also, we really love doggos).

Using the aforementioned X platform, we’ve tapped 11 designer toys artists from around the world to put their spin on this vinyl spirit guide. Those artists are as follows:

Boy in the Corner Studio
????
Fett Up Toys
????
????
The JFO

????
Playful Gorilla
????
Schl0
Uncle Studio

The rest of the artists will be revealed closer to the event, so keep those eyes peeled!

1. Boy in the Corner Studio

 

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The Phase One Canbot by Sket One! Available TODAY, Friday, March 26th, 2021 at 12 pm (EST) ! ! !

The Phase One Canbot by Sket One! Available TODAY, Friday, March 26th, 2021 at 12 pm (EST) ! ! !

Danger ⚠️ Extremely Dope!

The Phase One Canbot
by Sket One!

Sket One's Iconic image is brought to life with a brand new Canbot head sculpt!

Featuring Sket’s signature style, as seen on his murals and prints, this Canbot is the ultimate example of Sket’s style in a 3D work of art! This killer Phase One Canbot features an all-new, NEW FULLY sculpted Canbot head... BOOM!

5oz Size (5.5" tall)

Complete with trademark rattle

Only 200 pieces available!

Available TOMORROW, Friday, March 26th, 2021 at 12 pm (EST) at clutter.co and priced at $95.

*Available and ready to ship!*
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AIR BAIR by RUFNEK:21 c/o SUPER SOULJAH STUDIOS Available Now ! ! !

AIR BAIR by RUFNEK:21 c/o SUPER SOULJAH STUDIOS Available Now ! ! !

AIR BAIR by RUFNEK:21 (BLACK CEMENT IV COLORWAY)

 

c/o SUPER SOULJAH STUDIOS

 

Limited Edition of 367 WORLWIDE

 

8” x 12” x 10” (CHUNKY) SOFT VINYL

 

(SHOEBOX Style) DELUXE PACKAGING WITH MAGNETIC WINDOW FLAP (BLISTER PACKED)

 

 

Introducing the first original Character from the “Heart of a SOULJAH” story

 

AIR BAIR is the sidekick of RUFNEK:21

 

Although Extremely cute and loveable, AIR BAIR has plenty of style inspired by the greats before him.

 

There are a few items in AIR BAIRS daily uniform that you will hardly catch him roaming the streets without.

 

Always sporting his favorite black hoodie with a BOLD number “23” to let you know who he considers the greatest player to ever play the game.

 

A “PHAT” Gold Rope chain and oversized Black framed glasses displaying his love

of  the Golden Era of HIP HOP Culture.

 

AIR BAIR has too much “SOLE” to have bare feet.

 

BLACK Cement IVs to make the outfit complete.

 

Last but not least you will NEVER see AIR BAIR without his Signature Smile.

 

Do not, I repeat Do Not miss out on this opportunity to have this OG Edition colorway in your collection.

 

RUFNEK:21 promises a lot more to come, but there may never be anything like the first time.

 

 

DROPS ONLINE THIS SATURDAY MARCH 20th at 11:00am PST (LA) / 2:00pm EST (NY) (Less than 200pcs available)

 

www.airbair.com

 

 

check out @originalrufnek  for more pictures and release information.

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Kryptonite GID Grumpy Coal by The Bots x UVD Toys over at The Toy Chronicle

Kryptonite GID Grumpy Coal by The Bots x UVD Toys over at The Toy Chronicle

Designed by The Bots (Jenn & Tony), the Grumpy Coal has been produced by UVD Toys. This 2x2inch vinyl figure has been produced in the Kryptonite GID edition for The Toy Chronicle and is now available on our TTC Shop. They are limited to 100 pieces and priced at £20 + shipping each. Each comes bagged with a header card designed by The Bots. 
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