Toyism

What is Toyism

Toyism, or in good Dutch Toyism, is an international contemporary art movement that was founded in 1992 by the artist Dejo. It is characterized by a figurative style, the use of strongly contrasting, bright colors and a playful, dreamlike style that finds inspiration in current events and fantasy.

Like any art movement, Toyism is also a reaction to the previous period. In this case, it is a reaction to the era in which it seemed to be more about the artist himself than about the work of art. Craftsmanship or a story was not necessary, a good PR. machine around a person all the more. Two important principles followed from this:

* Great attention to detail and craftsmanship, works of art that tell a story, invite wonder and interpretation.

* In toyism, all artists work anonymously; It’s about the artwork and not about the artists. Sometimes they also work as a collective, especially when it comes to larger projects in public space, such as murals. To ensure anonymity, the artists use a pseudonym. Also, when they perform or work in public, they wear masks, which are works of art in themselves.

Toyism in China

In 2018, Dejo and his group participated in a competition organized by the Dutch embassy in Beijing. It was a mural in the 751 art district, formerly an industrial area that had been assigned a different destination by the government. The Dutch artist won the first prize, the mural was presented during the opening of the Beijing Design Week. It was logical to involve a Chinese artist in that project as well, and that became Clamaoing from Beijing.

Since then, many projects in the form of murals and exhibitions have been done in China, thanks to the contacts made with the first artwork, but also through online publicity, the fame and popularity of toyism in China grew.

Started in the Netherlands, Toyism has since grown into a worldwide art movement and has done projects in Iceland, Peru and since the 2000s also in China. In Hong Kong and Beijing, murals have been made and exhibitions have been organized on behalf of local institutions.

VNC and Toyism

Before she devoted herself entirely to the chairmanship of VNC, Monique Knapen worked at Dutch Culture as a China expert and with her own agency she connected artists and art institutions in the Netherlands and China. In addition to the focus areas of Economics and Science, culture therefore plays a major role in VNC and VNC activities. We therefore like to highlight interesting developments in Chinese art and culture for our members. The successful exhibition I Play, Therefore I am in the Sunshine International Art Museum in Beijing is now on display in Tha Banque Art Gallery in Bergen. We would like to pay attention to this interesting and inspiring art movement, which is gaining interest all over the world. Especially in this time of hardening, violence, extremes, it is nice to be able to show a playful, light angle. To give space to artists with a message. We cordially invite all our VNC members to visit the exhibition Ik Speel, dus ben in Bergen and/or admire the artwork in Groningen.