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ZHAN Art Presents Ren Chang Lee of Oodplex BLEAK Solo Exhibition

Internationally renowned artists such as Jeff Koons, Takashi Murakami and Brian Donnelly (KAWS) have all incorporated inspiration from toy designing into their portfolio of works. In recent years, the practice of artists designing toys in all shapes and sizes has exploded, penetrating the contemporary art market. ZHAN Art | Space takes this opportunity to introduce oodplex, a Malaysian-based designer toy artist who will debut his first solo exhibition BLEAK which features BEN as the titular character in various forms including life-sized sculptures, digital forms and artworks. 


BLEAK is a form of expression, the feelings of feeling alone triggered by the pandemic lockdown and old memories of the artist’s student days in the United Kingdom. 


Last weekend saw the grand opening of the exhibition and today we get a little taste of behind the scenes of the exhibition and oodplex idea behind BLEAK, and how feeling/being alone triggered a series of exhibitions. The inspiration behind designing toys and turning them into art, plus The role of toys in the contemporary art market.


Contemporary artist oodplex turns toy designs into a collectable art

Aimed to showcase designer toys as a true art form in Malaysia, the collection of artworks to sculptures aims to spark joy and trigger a sense of nostalgia

Petaling Jaya, 13 May 2022 – Internationally renowned artists such as Jeff Koons, Takashi Murakami or Brian Donnelly (KAWS) have all incorporated inspiration of toy designing into their portfolio of works. Toys just like artworks carry the same form of emotional value and have a way of triggering an inner joy and a sense of nostalgia and belonging. In recent years, the practice of artists designing toys in all shapes and sizes has exploded, penetrating the contemporary art market. ZHAN Art | Space takes this opportunity to introduce oodplex, a Malaysian-based designer toy artist who will debut his first solo exhibition BLEAK which features BEN as the titular character in various forms including life-sized sculptures, digital forms and artworks.

While pursuing his studies in Bristol England, oodplex first took notice of New Zealand based toy artist Yoii who was a prodigious talent and fast established herself within the designer toy community. Having being inspired by her works, oodplex soon debut Raiki, a deer-like creature at Malaysia’s AniManGaki back in 2017 which was later exhibited at the Glitch Gallery, Bristol in 2018.

“I’ve always aspired to have my own toy exhibition. The idea of BLEAK draws upon the feeling of isolation during my student days back in the United Kingdom as well as the most recent Covid-19 pandemic lockdown which triggered old feelings and memories. BLEAK is my expression, my feelings of feeling alone” said contemporary artist oodplex.

Critics can continue to question the distinct differences between the true meaning of art and toys but we leave it up to the viewers and artists to decide. Art, after all, has no boundaries and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Desmond Tong, founder of ZHAN Art | Space believes in the self-expression of an artist regardless of whether in the form of art or toys and should be expressed equally.

Split Ben Figurine
RM200.00
Melting Ben Figurine
RM400.00

WHEN: NOW  until 12 June 2022, comprising paintings, sculptures and digital works. The works will range from RM 150 to RM 25,000

WHERE: ZHAN Art | Space

  • 100-G.025, Block J, The School, Jaya One,
    No. 72A, Jalan Universiti 46200
    Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

About ZHAN Art | Space 

Co-founded by siblings Desmond Tong and Dr Ginny Tong in December 2018, ZHAN Art | Space is dedicated to showcasing contemporary fine art from Malaysia and abroad.

As of January 2022, the art space has hosted 22 art exhibitions, and curated art works with more than 80 artists. Exhibitions include Isa Ishak’s first solo exhibition – “Kisah Isa Ishak”, London-based Unamed Collective’s “Illegitimate” group show and many others. 

Located at The School, Jaya One, one of Petaling Jaya’s fastest growing commercial hubs, ZHAN Art | Space welcomes proposals from artists and non-artists alike to take advantage of its 2,000 square feet space to host corporate and community events.

You can get your daily Designer Toy fix from our TTC Mobile App. It’s free too! FREE! Download on the iPhone or Android smartphones. Search for “The Toy Chronicle” and all your Designer Toy wishes will come true! Pretty much.

Find Ren on Facebook and Instagram.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

You can get your daily Designer Toy fix from our TTC Mobile App. It’s free too! FREE! Download on the iPhone or Android smartphones. Search for “The Toy Chronicle” and all your Designer Toy wishes will come true! Pretty much.

Did we fail to mention IT’s FREE.

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Written by Andy

A Yellow guy with bad English who's a chef by trade but addicted to toys and art. Instagram nutter rambling food addict who likes to take photos of everything I eat (most Asians do right?) Please don't class me as a journalist or blogger, more on the lines of talent scout and always backs the little guy.

Instagram ( BigToyPoo)
(SushiKingUK)
I am that one dickhead too.

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