after Jean-Michel Basquiat

Basquiat at Serpentine Gallery, London (Exhibition Catalogue)

1996

Bearbrick (or Be@rbrick) figures stand out for two main features: their simple and attractive image and their endless variety of designs. Bearbrick was published for the first time on May 27, 2001 during the Tokyo World Character Convention. It was given away as a present for its visitors. Since then, the Bearbrick has become a canvas on which designers and artists have shaped their designs. Owned by the Japanese company Medicom, the Bearbrick shows an articulated bear similar to a piece of Lego. Hence its name, the conjunction of words "bear" and "brick". The most traditional Bearbricks are made of vinyl, although they can be found in any material, wood, metal or porcelain among others. Bearbrick figures can be found in multiple series. On one hand, they are sold in what has already become popular as “Blind Boxes”, boxes that contain a certain model that belongs to a series, which is made up of a specific number of designs. What makes some figures more special than others is the probability of finding a specific design. Some Bearbricks that are included in these “blind boxes” are very limited, so these have become highly valued collectibles. On the other hand, the most exclusive side of the Bearbricks shines thanks to the collaborations between Medicom and great designers or artists. Karl Lagerfeld, Salvatore Ferragamo, Kenzo or Roberto Cavalli, are some of the high couture designers who have dressed Bearbrick. Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jackson Pollock, Keith Haring, Kaws or Pushead are some of the artists who give the artistic version to these figures.