5 Art Toys to See in MoCAF 2024
Indeed, MoCAF 2024 is brimming with modern and contemporary art—with a variety of mediums to see, make sure to check out the toys featured in the festival
Words Sophia Pangandian
Photo courtesy of Jeremy Alpajora
July 6, 2024
Canvases are not the sole mediums of expression found in MoCAF 2024. Here, toys are reimagined through the hands of artists, taking over a creative direction. Attendees, alongside enthusiasts, are bound to be allured by these distinctive means of communicating one’s artistry, awakening their childlike wonder.
There is no shortage of toys for this year, as an array of exhibitors showcase different styles and interpretations of the medium, all expressed through each artist’s eyes and mind. Here are 5 pieces to look for in the festival.
XCEPTION
Previously a venue for MoCAF XP’s art bazaar and regularly serving as a multipurpose cafe, retail, and event space tucked in Legazpi Village, XCEPTION offers Be@rbrick toys in this year’s festival. Founded by Tatsuhiko Akashi and manufactured by MediCom Toy Incorporated, Be@rbricks have made themselves distinctively known due to the variety of renowned brands and designs imprinted on their skin. For MoCAF, XCEPTION brought Be@rbricks with collaborations like streetwear clothing brand CLOT and XLARGE.
Art Toys PH
Attached to Vincent Trinidad’s name and works is the style of Japanese retro aesthetics. Art Toys PH brought four variations of the artist’s “Meowster the Cat,” with each piece collaborating with different artists.
Solid Toys PH
Chano is one of the three artists represented by Solid Toys PH and Sin•Ta Art Gallery for this year’s festival. All three sculptures featured under his name are self-made and executed freestyle, exhibiting styles reminiscent of him and his interest in frogs, spirals, and chaos. Specifically, “False Idol - Chaos” follows an image of himself reimagined in the pose and structure of the Christ the Redeemer statue found in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Vinyl On Vinyl
For MoCAF 2024, Vinyl on Vinyl also brings Reen Barrera’s works, presenting his paintings and handmade wooden collectible figures. His handmade wooden figures come in five variations, each pattern taking after six-foot versions that exist in real life.
Rojo Galerie
Megs Empinado is among the two artists featured in Rojo Galerie’s exhibition for this year’s MoCAF. For his solo exhibition entitled “The Holy Grails Unveiled: A Voltes V Statues Collection,” Empinado showcases sculptures of Voltes V in different styles.
These five pieces not only highlight the creativity and diversity present in MoCAF 2024 but also invite visitors to experience art in a playful, imaginative way. Be sure to explore these unique toys and discover the stories and inspirations behind each one.
