Andy
Back in 2020 when keeping tabs on Jessica Emmett making the prototype for “Eemo Cloud” we knew good things were written on the cards for Jessica. We already loved it even though it was not finished when the first images emerged and judging from the reaction you guys loved it too.
Reading the story behind it made us want Eemo Cloud even more. Fast forward to the present day, Shining the spotlight on mental health through art and creature design, BLAXK by ActionCity is proud to present the debut exhibition of the art-toy designer and illustrator, Jessica Emmett. Titled Show Your Eemo, Jessica’s debut exhibition will showcase her artistic journey through her various creations over the years and feature her portfolio of works in both 2D and 3D, with the iconic Eemo Cloud. As Jessica explains, “I developed Eemo Cloud as the pandemic was unfolding. While the character was based on my own experience with depression, Eemo Cloud quickly embodied much more given how many people have and continue to struggle with mental health…
The exhibition will see BLAXK transformed into an immersive world, from a signature exterior mural designed by Jessica, to the 2D and 3D works, including key archival pieces like Texture Monster (2016), Texture Monster – Flora (2017), Unicorn (2017), Texture Monster Minis (2018), Merlion (2018), Manticore (2018), Lleafi (2019), Draffi (2019), Dip Dipz – Simply Toys (2019), Kattessy (2020), Trisheepi (2020), Monosheepi (2020), Knotanxi (2020) and Oxenlox (2021). Show Your Eemo will also see the launch of three latest art toy creations by Jessica – Spider Bear (2022), Texture Monster – Break (2022) and Centaur – Merry Go Round x Jessica Emmett (2022). 40 pieces of the highly collectable hand-painted Eemo Cloud figures – available in 3” and 6”, will be specially produced by BLAXK in commemoration of the exhibition and will only be available for sale as event exclusives at the gallery.
To show support for Jessica’s works, 19 talented local and international artists who have directly
impacted her art toy career have also contributed to Show Your Eemo by bringing their own
custom Eemo Cloud pieces to the exhibition.
This little cloud has a lot of feelings, sometimes it’s depressed but it finds moments of joy and hope even on the rainiest days.
It’s super satisfying to randomly do a doodle and hold it in my hands days later. The novelty never wears off! Tbh most of my toys have been based on quick doodle ideas that I’ve just been like yes ok I’ll do that.
I’ve wanted to do a toy based on mental health for a while and inspired by my recent custom for Anatoy, I thought ok why not make an actual toy with this simple concept. You know I’m not gonna pretend to be the best sculptor I’m really not, but I try to make it work for me within my abilities. But as I always say what I lack in sculpting ability I make up for in sanding persistence.
Still needs to be molded. The undercuts may pose some casting issues but I’ll try it out first to try and keep that drop effect before I consider smooth out the undercuts.
Either way I’m happy with this little one. i feel it has a lot of potential
– Jessica Emmett
“Since our launch in September
2021, BLAXK has grown into a unique melting pot of interactions between artists, collectors and
community. We are honoured to work with the talented Jessica Emmett to curate her debut art
exhibition, Show Your Eemo, at BLAXK. Beyond profiling this very deserving artist and what she
stands for, the exhibition also presents a unique opportunity to us to facilitate a larger network
of local and international artists coming together to celebrate Jessica’s works through creating
their custom Eemo Cloud pieces.We’re also proud to support the Singapore Association for
Mental Health and its causes through various initiatives during the exhibition, and hope that
Show Your Eemo will be as meaningful for both artists and the community as it is for us.”
-Cheong Zhaoyong, Group Brand Director, ActionCity
Using a blank 3D mold of the Eemo Cloud figure and drawing inspiration from their own relatability with mental health topics, each artist has created a custom artwork of their own design in their signature style in 2D and 3D formats. This custom show highlights the versatility of Eemo Cloud, while addressing larger social themes like inclusivity, mental health and wellness. The one-of-a-kind custom pieces will be available for sale through a blind bid system via an online form. Interested collectors can submit their interest online from Monday, 28 March 2022, and successful bids will be announced on Sunday, 3 April 2022.
Show Your Eemo
BLAXK x Jessica Emmett
WHEN: Opens 12th March 2022
WHERE: BLAXK by ActionCity Funan, 107 North Bridge Road #01-03 Singapore, Singapore 179105
Look out for our Live stream HERE for the opening of BLAXK!
About
A UK toy designer, illustrator & 3D artist based in Singapore, Jessica is best known for her adorable yet layered original characters like Eemo Cloud, Draffi, Lleafi, Oxenlox, and her unicorn that started it all. Her creative journey began in photography and contemporary art, before progressing to illustration. Following her participation in a local toy convention in 2016, Jessica was inspired by designer toys and proceeded to cast her first piece, which led to her focus on art toys as an extension to her illustrations and 2D work. With creature design at the heart of her practice, she has created a unique style of adorable and intricate art toys which has won her a strong following. Beneath the cute façade of these characters, Jessica’s artworks and creations explore themes of the human condition – especially mental health & identity, influenced by her personal experiences and struggles.
ABOUT BLAXK BY ACTIONCITY BLAXK by ActionCity
(BLAXK) is a space for all things pop culture, design and art! Set up in September 2021, the opening of BLAXK marked the 21st anniversary of ActionCity and the growth milestone of the brand as the industry thought-leader, spearheading the convergence of pop culture, art and collectables in Singapore. Beyond curating pop art collections through partnerships with world-class artists & brands, BLAXK inspires meaningful and deep connections between all who share a common love for pop art and collectibles by serving as a creative and interactive hub celebrating the vibrant growth of pop culture and community.
ABOUT SINGAPORE ASSOCIATION FOR MENTAL HEALTH Established in 1968, the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) is a non-profit and non-government social service organisation that provides a comprehensive range of mental health services, which include rehabilitative, outreach and creative services, to the community in Singapore. SAMH aims to reintegrate persons with mental health issues back into society through community-based mental health programmes and services that provide rehabilitative care for these individuals, and support for their families and caregivers. With a vision to promote mental wellness for all, SAMH is committed to improving the lives of, and promoting acceptance and respect for, persons with mental health issues and improving the mental resilience of the community. In 2018, SAMH celebrated its 50th anniversary where the Association pledged its commitment to step up efforts and address the growing challenge of mental health issues among the people, young and old. For more information, please visit: www.samhealth.org.sg
With mental health as the driving theme behind this exhibition, Show Your Eemo is proud to
support Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) as the key non-profit beneficiary. Part of
the proceeds from the sales of the event-exclusive Eemo Cloud figures and one-of-a-kinds will go
towards the organisation, in support of their commitment towards helping those who struggle
with their mental health issues.
Beyond proceeds from sales, Jessica will be hosting workshops for SAMH’s Creative MINDSET
Hub, which uses art, writing, music and dance as a form of therapy for participants to explore and
express their feelings. During these workshops at BLAXK, participants will be able to learn the
creative process of art toy design and customise their own Eemo Cloud figure.
Said Jane Goh, Senior Assistant Director of SAMH Creative Services, “Over the last ten years,
SAMH Creative Services is thankful for opportunities for partnerships, advocacy, and engagement
to continue the important work that we do for the community. We are excited and grateful for this
new partnership with ActionCity and Jessica Emmett, to bring forth mental health awareness
using pop culture and art. We believe Jessica’s personal and artistic journey will be an inspiration
to others. SAMH looks forward to this first engagement in March 2022 with ActionCity.”
Find Jessica at https://shop.jessica-emmett.com/ Facebook and Instagram
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