Toys as Art, Art Inspired by Toys: Mattel’s 80th Anniversary Group Exhibition

Mattel celebrates 80 years of pop icons with an unmissable art exhibition in Los Angeles

Mattel is 80 years old and is celebrating in style with an event that combines the world of toys with that of contemporary art. The Corey Helford Gallery (CHG) in Downtown Los Angeles will host Toys As Art, Art Inspired By Toys: Mattel’s 80th Anniversary Group Exhibition, a collective exhibition that will feature over 80 international artists from the New Contemporary scene.

The event, organised in collaboration with Mattel Creations, the platform that brings together artists and designers to reinvent the great classics of the toy company, will open on 15 March and kick off a year of celebrations for this important milestone.

Art meets play: a celebration of creativity
From pop surrealist art icons such as Mark Ryden and Paul Frank, to visual innovators such as Gary Baseman and D*Face, the artists involved will interpret Mattel’s iconic brands with a new and personal perspective. Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, UNO®, Masters of the Universe® and many others will become the protagonists of unique works, where memory, pop culture and experimentation blend together in a powerful visual narrative.

A journey through 80 years of history and creativity
In addition to the main exhibition, visitors can immerse themselves in the history of Mattel in the Mattel Creations space in Gallery 3, which offers an exhibition dedicated to the company’s most famous brands. It will be a unique opportunity to discover the creative processes behind the toys that have left their mark on generations, exploring the artistic evolution and craftsmanship that still characterise Mattel creations today.

This exhibition is not only a tribute to the longevity of a company that has been able to reinvent itself over time, but also a demonstration of the transformative power of play in art and culture. An unmissable event for collectors, art lovers and nostalgics of all ages.

Toys As Art, Art Inspired By Toys: Mattel’s 80th Anniversary Group Exhibition will be accompanied by a series of curated events hosted at CHG while the show is on display, including:
• Saturday, March 22nd from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Meet featured artist Gary Baseman for a signing of his UNO deck and hear about how toys and growing up in Los Angeles influenced his art, plus join in for UNO Game Play
• Saturday, March 29th from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Hear a diverse panel of artists (including Brandi Milne, Jim McKenzie, ONCH, and more) share childhood stories featuring their favorite Mattel toys, as well as discuss their creative process, inspirations, and more
• Saturday, April 5th from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Re-connect with your inner-child through a playful workshop hosted by Case Kenny (author, mindfulness expert, and host of the popular podcast New Mindset, Who Dis?) + UNO Game Play

‘Thrill Of It All’ (acrylic on wood panel, 24 in x 18 in) by Brandi Milne

‘Masters’ (acrylic on wood, 18 in x 12 in) by Mark Todd

‘Barbie Sensei’ (acrylic on linen, 16 in x 20 in) by Yumiko Kayukawa