About Artist: Zak Mini Monster
Where do you live and work? How favorable are the conditions for your work there?
I live and work in the United Arab Emirates. The contemporary art market is still developing in this region but has already become a huge platform that helps artists reach a global audience.
When did you start working with toys?
I remember it clearly – I first attempted to create my own toy back in 2010.
How would you describe your work?
My work reflects my view of people in society. I express the things that are relevant to me. Right now, I am focused on the influence of subcultures on contemporary art.
Tell us about your characters and platforms.
I call my characters Mini Monsters. I believe we all have some kind of "monster" inside, and the more we listen to them, the more harmoniously we will live. We need to give freedom to our inner voice.
Have you ever collaborated with other artists? How did it go?
Throughout my career, I have had many collaborations with both major brands and other artists. It is always a pleasure, and in most cases collaborations happen with like-minded people. The result is a visual symbiosis of two different visual languages, which always involves the creation of something new.
What do you like about designer toys?
What I like about designer toys is that they are a physical embodiment of our thoughts. You can draw a huge number of characters, even animate them, but you cannot touch them. Designer toys, on the other hand, are modern sculptures that allow the artist to physically interact with their own creations.
How do you assess the state of the Russian designer toy market?
I think the Russian market is still very small, for many reasons. It is not just about the popularity of this direction but also about people’s value system and their financial situation. However, I am glad that despite these factors, the market is growing, and more designers and collectors are emerging.
Do you collect designer toys? What do you focus on?
I have been collecting for 15 years. Stylistically, I prefer artists and designers with a street art background.
What do you think about digital collecting? How important is the materiality of your objects as a modern artist?
I consider myself an old-school artist and collector – I love everything physical: art, toys, etc. But I believe digital collecting is a great modern tool that allows artists to explore new formats.
Is there a designer toy community in Russia? How would you describe it? Do you consider yourself part of it?
Yes, there is a community now, it is coming together. I can say that I am part of it since I was one of the people who started it and helped inspire those joining it. I think the community is developing rapidly in every sense, and I wish everyone in it great success.
What are the prospects for designer toys in Russia?
There are always prospects if you can see them and set goals. There is plenty of room to grow and shape this market. It is exciting to work in a field which is not oversaturated with products.
Tell us about the people who, in your opinion, have greatly influenced the development of designer toys in Russia.
I can name a few people. Sergey Safonov did tremendous work in the 2000s in this field. I would include myself, as I was creating toys with global brands when there was a major decline in this direction in Russia. Danya Yad and his Yarms Studio team began working with global manufacturers while based in Russia. And Ilya Popov, with his collection, actions, and support, is pushing the whole scene forwards and helping all of us.
Why do you think designer toys came to Russia? Could this have not happened?
They came here naturally, just like everything else interesting, unusual, and new. For any new direction in art, there will always be people who respond to it. The only way this movement could not have appeared in Russia would be if Russia did not exist.
What is the difference between a designer toy and a traditional small sculpture?
I would describe a designer toy as a modern sculpture created using contemporary materials.
Why are they called toys if no one actually plays with them? Do you think the name is appropriate?
They are referred to as toys by convention, simply because they resemble toys. However, all of them are labeled 15+, with the statement THIS IS NOT A TOY.
Popular toys of the artist: