Toy Show

For Taylor Lee, this series presents a new direction for both her creative process and content. In the past year Lee has begun to explore using a rare glazing technique called Raku. This technique calls for the ceramic pieces to be removed from the kiln while still glowing red from the fir and placed in a flammable material, such as newspaper, that then catches fire itself. This process creates pieces that are entirely unique, as the firing process can never be repeated exactly the same. Raku produces a myriad of lustrous, dramatic colors and textures, which can be seen throughout Lee’s pieces in the exhibition.

Lee has also used the past year to expand her point of focus. While previously focusing on earthenware empowering female forms, she I snow exploring figures such as Godzilla and Ultraman on a miniature scale. Inspired by her husband’s experiences and love for the figurines of his youth, Lee takes these notable villains and removes the fear factor. She presents these miniature monsters with seemingly friendly personas. Godzilla, so called “King of the Monsters” can be seen joyfully riding a bike, while a small army of Raku glazed Godzilla and Ultraman seem to smile up at viewers.

Peter Chan’s practice uses color, shapes, and light to explore nostalgia and turn mundane day experiences into moments worth preserving. Chan’s background in plein air painting, an art movement in which artists paint scenes directly from nature, is evident in these series despite the fictional scenes depicted. Chan’s use of light and lightly abstracted aesthetic is clearly influenced by the Impressionists of the 19th century who pioneered the plein air movement. However, he veers away from the impressionist pallet, instead employing bright colors to continue to diminish the intimidation factor of the depicted characters.

Chan’s paintings in this series work in conjunction with Lee’s ceramics- so much so that one can even see pieces of ceramic dust embedded within the paint. This intentional choice continues to show how intertwined these series are with each other. His pieces feature 2D versions of Lee’s 3D figures. Similar to his wife, Peter re-contextualizes these looming figures in charming and clever scenes and placing them within the world of the modern viewer.

Toy Show invites viewers into a familiar space, allowing us to reconnect with the joy of childhood as adults in a new way.