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Kokeshi craze hits exhibit in Little Tokyo at the JANM
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"Girl" kokeshi doll by artist James Watts
No longer just a child's toy, the Japanese Kokeshi doll has claimed a new role among art toy enthusiasts. For illustrators and artists alike, the kokeshi doll is an object of beauty, perfect for transforming into modern art objects. Currently on display at the Japanese American National Museum are over 100 such examples of kokeshi doll forms, custom-made by over 100 international artists.
Conceived and curated by Maria Kwong of LATDA (Los Angeles Toy, Doll & Amusements Museum), who also brought in Christina Conway, the exhibit takes visitors through three sections. The first shows the examples of the original traditional forms that were created by Japanese artisans as folk toys. The second section shows current artists' versions, each modernizing the shape and style of a much beloved object. The third section displays 100 custom kokeshi dolls which were painted by 100 different illustrators and artists in their own styles. These dolls provide a female counterpoint to the male-dominated art toy scene that has been so popular among Los Angeles illustrators.
Just like the iconic shapes of the vinyl Dunny and Munny toys sold at Kidrobot and Giant Robot, the shape of the Kokeshi doll has inspired artists who are either drawn to its beauty or feel a connection to its cultural significance. The featured artists in the 100 kokeshi doll section for this exhibit have custom painted their individual kokeshi dolls in the same spirit of the evolving designer art toy. Kokeshi dolls are not just a product of individual artisans passing down their craft; modern-day artists and illustrators are taking up the call to reinvent the kokeshi to art object status.
Some of the highlights of the exhibit are life-like kokeshi dolls created by artist James Watts, who himself is half-Japanese and wanted to pay homage to his heritage, while also infusing himself into these iconic figures. Hand-made from wood and covered with images from lunchboxes and cookie tins, each doll tells a story of James's family. Another modern kokeshi artist, Emi Motokawa, uses yarn to reinterpret the story of the kokeshi doll. Called "Krokeshi," these life-size dolls are hand-crocheted into wonderful whimsical sculptures.
The common thread that runs through all the artists in the exhibit is the love for recreating a new vision from the old tradition of a lost art. Through the eyes of these artists, we see how a mass-produced item can be remade into one-of-a-kind creations and unique works of art. Though it is a small and select number of pieces, it is nicely curated. It would be advisable to see it on the Thursday free days. In addition, the kokeshis in the 100 Kokeshi section are also for sale--a price list is available for those interested in owning a unique and collectable piece of art.
The Kokeshi: From Folk Art to Art Toy exhibit is on view now until October 4, 2009. It is presented in collaboration with the Los Angeles Toy, Doll & Amusements Museum.
For more info: visit www.janm.org.
If you liked this article by Liane Shih and would like to read more illustration and design articles, click here.
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