Where have all these toys come from?
Over 30 years the artist Hiroshi Fuji, without being swayed by the currents of fashion, has kept his eye intently upon society, community and the everyday, coming to tackle big statements such as "Turning towards a Recycling Society" and "Transforming Local Communities". Since the invention of the toy exchange system "Kaekko" in 2000 over 5000 events have taken place over 1000 different sites across Japan and internationally, while also responding to local issues and leading to the development of citizen led community based projects.
His recent exhibition "Central Kaeru Station - Where have all these toys come from?" at 3331 Arts Chiyoda in Japan took "kaeru" as its theme (meaning to change, to return, to exchange, to be able purchase) bringing together over 50,000 toys gathered together over 13 years of "Kaekko", along with various installations and workshops.
Fuki’s art revolves around “ways of transforming existences that are not valued by society into special existences.” One of the ways he does this is by using recycled materials in his art and inviting others—kids, artists, the public in general—to participate in its creation.
We see a great use of continuing the life of unwanted toys. Instead of throwing them away into landfill and polluting the earth — make art!
