Ken Kagami “TOYS“A”SS”
Taka Ishii Gallery is pleased to announce our third solo exhibition with Ken Kagami,
“TOYS“A”SS”. This latest exhibition will feature several sculptures made of plastic and
plush toys. Kagami’s debut solo exhibition, “MILK MAN” included drawings and sculptures presented
in the viewing room of Taka Ishii Gallery (2003); Kagami’s second exhibition “penis” took
place in gallery.sora. (2005).
Kagami’s distinctive works are characterized by their simple expression of conflicting ideas.
Pure and virginal plastic and soft toys created for babies and children are boldly combined
with objects, which represent sex, violence and excrement. These two worlds, which
naturally never crossover, merge and transform objects into giggle-inducing, amiable, yet
bizarre pieces of art which invoke a horrific, natural human instinct. This is achieved
through Kagami’s sharp sense of color, form and pure ideas.
“Toys look indecent and sexual to me.” Ken Kagami
Kagami’s work humorously confronts social taboos and has received glowing reviews not
only in Japan, but also overseas. His international solo exhibitions include “SNOOPee” at
The Journal Gallery, New York (2008) and “HELLOWIEN” presented by KRINZINGER
PROJEKTE in Vienna (2006). Kagami’s work has also inspired San Francisco based
independent rock group, “Deerhoof” (KILL ROCK STARS) and has served as stage,
costuming and album concept material.
Kagami often uses skulls as a primary means to express his ideas; however, he
concentrates on plastic and plush toys for this exhibition – as the title “TOYS“A”SS” implies.