I’m VERY proud to announce “PSEUDOMORPHISM”. My first show with the amazing and the ever inspiring Blobpus, Hanwa, and Yamomark.
Probably one of the most defining moments in Japanese vinyl collecting for me was discovering a picture of a mysterious new toy called “Blobpus” in early 2000. This toy had an aura of alien energy, the shape of an ancient Dogu, and the features of a humanoid-octopus hybrid—all of which are my kind of thing. I was hooked. The figure evoked high levels of mystery: who made this, how, and why? It took me months to obtain my first version, and once I did, Blobpus was one of the first figures of the independent “New Wave” of Japanese vinyl I ever painted. I was very inspired by Blobpus and his creator, Kaji San—he is one of the main reasons I produce my own toys today. Now I am very lucky to work with him on figure crossovers and collaborations, made possible by Toy Art Gallery. To me, the act of pseudomorphism embodies the first time I met Kaji San and his works. In a jet of amazing vinyl life forms that captivates you, he escapes off to think of more. It is a great honor to be sharing in Blobpus’ first Los Angeles show and visit!
Blobpus harasses gardener. September 2006
Via Toy Art Gallery:
“Toy Art Gallery is proud to present “PSUEDOMORPHISM”, New Works by Blobpus, Paul Kaiju, and Hawana, featuring figures by Yamomark. This epic grouping pairs the legendary Japanese toy artist Blobpus with his legendary American contemporary Paul Kaiju for an explosion of customized vinyl figures and collaborative mash-ups composed of an expansive range of their classic toys and characters such as Blobpus, Diablo, Boss Carrion, Mockbat, and many more. This synergy has also led one of Toy Art Gallery’s most ambitious projects to date, a collaborative production figure created (and sculpted) by both Paul Kaiju and Blobpus known only as Vertebrata!
The show also features customs and paintings from frequent Blobpus collaborator Hanawa, whose bold paint applications pop against his unique monster designs (sculpted by Blobpus). Japanese toy maker Yamomark has also contributed his unique kaijin (humanoid monster) toys to the show, which feature gorgeous Blobpus paintjobs.
Psuedomorphism features:
– over 100 unique custom vinyl toys from Blobpus, Paul Kaiju, Hanawa and Yamomark
– a new entry in our Lifesize Fiberglass Figure Series
– special custom editions of Paul Kaiju’s Pollen Kaiser and Luftkaiser
– the debut of new vinyl collaborative toy Vertebrata by Paul Kaiju and Blobpus
Please join us, Paul Kaiju and Blobpus (in his first US appearance ) for the exhibit opening on Saturday, February 2nd from 7-10pm at Toy Art Gallery’s showroom located at 7571 Melrose Ave. Hollywood CA 90046.
PSEUDOMORPHISM runs through February 23rd.”
