Toyism
Encyclopedia
Toyism is an art movement
that rose to prominence in The Netherlands in the 1990s. Introduced by an artist using the pseudonym Dejo at the Veenmuseum in 1992, the toyist style of painting emphasizes narrative depictions featuring figurative
rather than abstract
objects focusing on aspects of the human condition. Stylistically, it features the heavy use of outlining, bold colors and craftsmanship. Toyist artists select a pseudonym and an icon which is incorporated into their paintings.
The current Toyists:
Amukek
Cluv
Dejo
Eiiz
Fihi
Iqoy
Jaf'r
Knafoe
Lodieteb
Mwano
Ollafinah
Pixy
Roq
Srylyn
Toescat
UUlUU
Xippez
Zigowst
Art movement
An art movement is a tendency or style in art with a specific common philosophy or goal, followed by a group of artists during a restricted period of time, or, at least, with the heyday of the movement defined within a number of years...
that rose to prominence in The Netherlands in the 1990s. Introduced by an artist using the pseudonym Dejo at the Veenmuseum in 1992, the toyist style of painting emphasizes narrative depictions featuring figurative
Figurative art
Figurative art, sometimes written as figurativism, describes artwork—particularly paintings and sculptures—which are clearly derived from real object sources, and are therefore by definition representational.-Definition:...
rather than abstract
Abstract art
Abstract art uses a visual language of form, color and line to create a composition which may exist with a degree of independence from visual references in the world. Western art had been, from the Renaissance up to the middle of the 19th century, underpinned by the logic of perspective and an...
objects focusing on aspects of the human condition. Stylistically, it features the heavy use of outlining, bold colors and craftsmanship. Toyist artists select a pseudonym and an icon which is incorporated into their paintings.
The Toyists
Currently, there are 18 different Toyists. They live around the world and all work as independent artists, as well as Toyists. Because Toyism is about the group, and not the individual artists, they all have aliases.The current Toyists:
Amukek
Cluv
Dejo
Eiiz
Fihi
Iqoy
Jaf'r
Knafoe
Lodieteb
Mwano
Ollafinah
Pixy
Roq
Srylyn
Toescat
UUlUU
Xippez
Zigowst
Representation
The Toyists are represented in The Netherlands by Toyisme Studio and by Barbara Joy Smit - Agency & GallerySources
- Toyist Art New York Arts Magazine
- Art history 101: Toyism About.com
- Art through the mind of a toyist Koelsch Gallery.
Further reading
- Toyism...not for babies! Gallery of the Round Multimedia Art Magazine
- Toyism exhibit invades S.A. The Ranger (San Antonio) online.