toys! at hatch art
“The enjoyment of art is experienced in myriad ways—historic significance, academic analysis, social appreciation, technical wizardry, and simple delight. Simple delight arguably is the most childish of the list, understanding that ‘childish’ is not a negative judgment in this instance. Rather, it is the most intuitive and immediate response, a guttural feeling that motivates you to want to engage with the work with an inner-explosion of excitement.
Toys are all about this kind of joy. The thrills that toys gave us as children are never forgotten. Collectors, gamers, and sports fans all actively seek ways to recapture this exuberation, as do the artists in this show. “Toys!” has interactive games, depictions of toys, appropriated familiar objects, and fantastical creations all meant to give simple delights.”
Trucks were big in my childhood home along with Matchbox cars. My brother and I felt like we could haul and drive anything to any destination real or imagined. Nobody paints a gumball like Amy Fell. The strip of royal blue at the bottom serves to accentuate the few blue candies while complementing the classic Tonka yellow.
Andy Malone combines mechanical motion with lenticular images resulting in mesmerizing layered movement. Regardless of the age of the player, it’s a thrill to push the button and watch the figures spin.
Set in the center of the gallery is a handcrafted, child height alligator table designed especially for this exhibition. Eric Mesko also contributed several comic books from his extensive collection for perusal. Madeliene Barkey is responsible for the pull toys making for an old school, analog play station where all are free to engage.
Not all toys need be sugar and primaries. Jessica Harvey’s captivating motion sensitive watcher’s eyes move when you do adding a creepy vibe countering the more whimsical entries.
Several important exhibitions this year have contained pointed and potent messaging. It’s an artist’s job to provoke a shift in perspective and understanding prompting a wider world view. Sometimes you just want to have a little fun. This interactive exhibition invites visitors to take a breather from adulting and rediscover the joy and wonder of play often lost in the melee of modern life.
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” –Pablo Picasso
Participating artists curated by Chris Schneider: Amy Fell, Andy Malone, Shaina Kasztelan, Eric Mesko, Madeleine Barkey, Jessica Harvey, Greg Carr and Mike Thompson.
On view through Dec 3rd at Hatch Art 3456 Evaline, Hamtramck
*images are mine
direct quote from gallery materials
This is a reader supported publication. If you are able, please consider upgrading to paid to keep these stories coming. Thank you!
SHOWS OPEN THIS WEEKEND check gallery websites for holiday hours