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Rotofugi: Toys as collectible art |
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Written by AUGUST FORTE
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Wednesday, 15 September 2004 |
Opened in July 2004 by husband and wife twosome Kirby and Whitney Kerr, Rotofugi Toy Store & Gallery is Chicago’s only outlet that specializes in selling Western and Asian minis, capsule toys, plush toys, wearables and, most notably, urban vinyl toys.
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Rotofugi Designer Toy Store & Gallery
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1953 W. Chicago Ave., first floor
Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 491-9501
www.rotofugi.com
Hours: Noon to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; Noon to 5 p.m. Sundays; Closed Mondays
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Kirby defines those as "figures [that] are rotocasted in vinyl instead of injection molded [the expensive method by which traditional action figures are made]."
ATMOSPHERE
Where most toyshops are cluttered with an overabundance of eye candy, Rotofugi is a clean and impeccably organized storefront with vibrant displays and a small gallery space. This is a visual reminder that Rotofugi is a place where toys are taken seriously, but not preciously.
CROWD
Rotofugi attracts a diverse clientele—everyone from twenty-somethings into hip-hop and skate culture to middle-aged art collectors and design enthusiasts. That said, Kirby reckons that the core customers "are between 20-35."
ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS
Rotofugi hosts revolving gallery exhibitions. The store’s first was "The Monkey Show 0304," which featured work from around the globe, including an exclusive design by the Kerr’s. The current exhibition is "Transfigured Transformers" by Chicago artist Jefrey Lacson.
PRODUCTS
Rotofugi carries Gama-Go T-shirts, CiBoys Mini Destroyers, Madreal Creatures of Mass Mania, Mutafukaz Qees, a Hayon Demon Cow plush and dozens of other lines from the United States, Japan, China and beyond.
ARTISTS/DESIGNERS
Rotofugi displays and sells toys and wearables designed by Tim Biskup, COOP, D.H. MDRL, James Jarvis, Flying Fortress and H. Moto, to name but a few.
PRICES
"We consistently try to keep the things we sell in the $10-$40 range," Kirby explains. A glance at the shelves, however, will indicate toys for as little as $1 to pieces priced at over $100.
WHY IT’S UNIQUE
The Kerrs are a friendly and knowledgeable couple who truly believe that they are creating a niche in Chicago. Both are avid collectors themselves and Kirby sees the business as an extension of their shared passion. "This takes it to the next level," he says, "where [we are dealing in toys] created with an artistic intent." Photos courtesy of Kirby Kerr and Rotofugi Powered by AkoComment 2.0! |
