Super-Cali-Fragi-Listic Expi-Ali-Toy-ISH
Update: The exhibit is now viewable online and we're taking orders!
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Super-Cali-Fragi-Listic Expi-Ali-Toy-Ish
Soft Vinyl Exhibit by Bombastic Plastic and Phobia Toys
December 4, 2021-January 2, 2022
Meet the Artist
Saturday, December 4, 10am-Noon
Back in March we tried something new...a mini exhibit of just vinyl figures by an independent producer/artist, Phobia Toys, on top of our normal monthly exhibit. We had so much fun that we're doing it again!
Indy vinyl, specifically sofubi-style productions, are one of the more interesting and vital parts of the designer toy world. Often driven by nothing more than a creative spirit and a passion for the artistic potential of toys, there are dozens if not hundreds of small toy producers making amazing stuff.
Starting December 4 we'll have Phobia Toys back, but we're expanding the circle a little. Ben (Phobia) has invited Neil Ewing, aka Bombastic Plastic, to join in the fun! Not only have they both produced and painted a bunch of their own figures, they've done some crossover collaborations and even some mashups with other toy producers.
Join us Saturday, December 4, 10am-Noon for an informal opening and first shot at the toys! Ben will be at the store to hang out and chat with anyone that has questions about his figures or independent vinyl production.
The exhibit continues through January 2nd, 2022 and the gallery is open for viewing at Rotofugi, 2780 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago or view online at gallery.rotofugi.com (coming soon).
About the Artists
Phobia Toys is a small independent toy company based in Minneapolis, MN, focusing on finding a balance between the cute and grotesque through the soft vinyl toy medium. All toys are hand sculpted and painted by Ben Farnam in his South Minneapolis studio.
Ben often collaborates with some of his favorite toy artists: painting each other’s toys, mashing up different sculpts, and coming up with character combinations that make for fun and unusual soft vinyl toys. Phobia Toys provide collectors with quality soft vinyl toys that are strange, unique, and limited to very small runs.
Neil Ewing is a multimedia artist from south eastern Colorado. His art is focused on creating narrative, pulled from nostalgia and experience to create feelings of humor, joy and levity.
Since 2002, Neil has drawn comics, created toys, made music, and worked with many artists, brands and record labels. He currently runs Bombastic Plastic, a creative company that makes genre bending quirky collectibles and soft goods.