Hasheem

Santa Inoue (Japanese; b. 1968 in Paris, France) parisian-born Japanese artist Santa Inoue[a.k.a. “King of Street Comics”] made his debut as a comic book author in 1989, when he won the Young Sunday Newcomer Prize (organized by the preeminent publishing house Shogakukan) for his piece “Murder”. His penchant for, and fascination with, urban life is perhaps best depicted through the grand landscape of his hometown in his largely popular graphic novel “Tokyo Tribe”. It has gained a cult following since its original release in 1993, and has been re-issued multiple times from various publishers. Its sequel “Tokyo Tribe2” was serialized in men’s style magazine Boon, and has been translated and released in the U.S., France and several other countries (as “Tokyo Tribes”). In 2006 “Tokyo Tribe2” was also made into an animation film and broadcast on the Japanese cable TV station Wowow. Prior to that, in the previous year, another of his serial works “The Neighbor No. Thirteen” (1994) was made into a feature film. And in 2014, “Tokyo Tribe2” was also made into a film directed by Sion Sono and had a successful theatrical run in Japan and other countries. Currently Santa has a on-going serial: “Tokyo Tribe Waru” in monthly manga Medicom Toy is a Japanese brand specializing in the creation of collection toys and figurines since 1996. It has been founded by Tatsuhiko Akashi. It all started with the Kubrick, a so -called standard figurine at the Lego and Playmobil border, a figurine made up of 9 blocks (in Japanese 九 (Kyū) means 9). This new format quickly was very successful and the kubricks will quickly take many licenses from Star Wars to the Planet of the Apes. In parallel Medicom Toy Produced toys of collecting art, sold in limited quantities and very quickly develops many ranges with the RAH (Real Action Heroes), the Mafex (Magical Action Figures Ex), the VCD (Vinyl Collectible Dolls) or even UDF (Ultra Detail Figure). But the planetary success will come with the Be@rbrick, an adaptation of the kubrick in a small bear version with a small plump belly. These figurines in the form of printed bear with different drawings and patterns will make the success of Medicom Toy putting the BE@RBRICK At the Pantheon of designer toy. Many artists and Brands have collaborated on this line of products, in particular Nike, Keith Haring or Kaws, but we also find characters from Movie theater from universes such KAWS (real name Brian Donnelly) is an American contemporary artist and designer known for his iconic vinyl toys, large-scale sculptures, and pop culture-inspired artwork. Emerging from the street art and graffiti scene, KAWS has become one of the most influential figures in both fine art and designer toy culture. His most famous figures include the Companion, a Mickey Mouse-like character with X-ed out eyes and a melancholic expression. BFF is a furry, Elmo-like figure with his signature X-eyes. Along with the Chum, Accomplice, and Astro Boy – Other reimagined characters blending pop culture and urban art. His limited-edition collectibles, produced in collaboration with brands like Medicom Toy, have made KAWS a key figure in the designer toy movement. Brian’s large-scale sculptures and paintings have been displayed in MoMA, the Brooklyn Museum, and international galleries. He has worked with Dior, Uniqlo, Nike, and Supreme, merging art with fashion and streetwear. KAWS is one of the most commercially successful and recognizable artists in the contemporary art world. His work blurs the line between fine art, street culture, and collectibles, making him a major influence in both designer toys and contemporary pop art.