To celebrate Mattel’s 80th anniversary, Corey Helford Gallery (CHG) and Mattel Creations have teamed up for “Toys As Art: Mattel’s 80th Anniversary Exhibition,” a dazzling showcase featuring 80 artists reimagining the toy giant’s most iconic brands, per mymodernmet.com.
From Barbie to Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price to Monster High, the exhibition highlights how Mattel’s toys have shaped creativity across generations. Established and emerging artists—including Mark Ryden, Paul Frank, and Gary Baseman—have transformed beloved playthings into original paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works.
“Mattel has been my muse forever,” said artist Brandi Milne, whose piece reinterprets the original 1959 Barbie. “Their toys spark imagination in kids and adults alike.”
The show not only honours nostalgia but also underscores Mattel’s deep ties to art and design. Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s Chief Brand Officer, noted that, “this collaboration lets artists use our toys as their canvas—blending play with profound creativity.”
Highlights include Kelogsloops’ dreamy Astronaut Barbie, Sylvia Ji’s gothic Draculaura and The London Police’s robot-inspired He-Man.
Meanwhile, Gallery 3 hosts a companion exhibit detailing Mattel’s design legacy.
Running through April 19 at CHG in Los Angeles, “Toys As Art” is a vibrant tribute to how toys fuel artistic vision.
•Featured image: ‘Swell’ (acrylic on canvas, 48 in x 72 in) by Gary Baseman
