DEVILROBOTS

25TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION

2/5 – 28/5 2024

The 25th Anniversary Exhibition showcases a comprehensive collection of original artworks, collectible art prints, and exclusive art toys celebrating DEVILROBOTS’ iconic characters and captivating art, which has garnered a strong global following of fans and collectors. All paintings featured in this exhibition were directed and painted by DEVILROBOTS’ Art Director, Mr. Shinichiro Kitai (“Shin”).

These canvas paintings pay homage to DEVILROBOTS’ artistic inspirations, notably featuring iconic characters such as To-Fu Oyako, evirob, MIMILA, and BOXY.

Complementing the art collection is a series of 8 MURART digital art prints, each limited to 25 editions. MURART (“Mural + Art”) employs specialized paper derived from traditional Japanese wall materials, resulting in art prints that mimic the appearance of paintings directly on a wall. Notable prints include DEVILROBOTS’ playful spoofs of world-renowned paintings like “The Scream” and “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” featuring mischievous To-Fu Oyako characters.

How did DEVILROBOTS come into being?
The group was formed when three individuals who shared a common desire to pursue their own interests came together. Currently, there are two of us.

DEVILROBOTSはどのように誕生しましたか？
自分たちでやりたい事をしたい3人が集まり誕生しました。
現在は2名で活動しています。

請問DEVILROBOTS 是如何誕生的?
這個團體是由三個想追求自己想做的事情的人組成的。目前我們只剩下兩個人。

Have there been any memorable experiences during the many years of creation?
The memories of attending design conferences overseas are always cherished. The friends I met from Hong Kong there are now my closest friends, and we work together.

多年にわたる創作過程で、特に印象に残っている経験はありますか？
海外のデザインカンファレンスに参加した思い出はずっといい思い出です。そこで出会った香港の友人とは今は一番の親友として一緒に仕事をしています。

在多年的創作過程中有沒有什麼比較難忘的經歷?
參加海外的設計研討會的回憶一直都是我珍愛的回憶。在那裡認識的來自香港的朋友現在成為我最要好的朋友，我們一起工作。

Many friends got to know you through To-Fu Oyako. How did the design concept for To-Fu Oyako start, and what message do you want to convey through it?
This character represents the design I created when I applied for a character contest in my younger days. It was conceived with the concept of simplicity, humor, and a memorable design that leaves a lasting impression once seen. It is my life’s work, and it would make me happy if this character could bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

多くの友人が豆腐人（トーフ親子）を通じてあなたを知りました。豆腐人のデザインコンセプトはどのように始まり、どのようなメッセージを伝えたいですか？
若い頃のキャラクターコンテストに応募するために考えたキャラクターになります。シンプル＋ユーモア、一度見たら記憶に残るようなデザインをコンセプトにしています。
自分のライフワークであり、このキャラクターでみんなが笑顔になってくれると嬉しいです。

相信很多朋友都因為豆腐人來認識你，請問豆腐人嘅設計概念是怎樣開始,以及會有什麼相息想帶出呢?
這個角色是我年輕時參加角色設計比賽時所創造的。它以簡潔、幽默和令人難以忘懷的設計為概念。這是我一生的心血結晶，如果這個角色能讓大家笑容滿面，我會感到非常開心。

Between designing toys and drawing, which one do you prefer?
Of course. I like both.

おもちゃのデザインと絵を描くことの間で、どちらが好きですか？
もちろん。両方好きです。

對於設計玩具和繪畫，有沒有比較喜歡哪一樣?
我兩樣都喜歡。

It’s believed that sticking to your passion for 25 years of creation is not an easy task. Could you share some experiences or words of encouragement for young artists?
I am who I am today because of my best friends who appreciate my work and the fans who support me. I believe that if you continue doing what you love, you will meet good people.
I am also very happy to have had the opportunity to exhibit at a gallery in London this time.

25年間、自分の好きな創作を続けることは簡単なことではないと思います。若いアーティストへの励ましとして、何か経験や言葉をシェアしていただけますか？
自分の作品を気に入ってくれた親友、そして応援してくれるファン達がいるから今の自分があります。好きな事を続けていれば、きっといい出会いがあると思います。今回、ロンドンのギャラリーで展示が出来たのもすごく嬉しいです。

相信堅持做自己喜愛的創作25年不是一件容易的事,請問可以分享一些經驗或說話來鼓勵年輕藝術家嗎?
我之所以能成為今天的我，是因為我最好的朋友欣賞我的工作，還有支持我的粉絲。我相信，只要堅持做自己喜歡的事，就會遇到好人。我也很高興這次有機會在倫敦的畫廊展出。

About the Artist: DEVILROBOTS

Established in 1997 and headquartered in Tokyo, DEVILROBOTS is a renowned design team celebrated for their diverse array of characters, art toys, and artworks, alongside their work in graphics, audio-visuals, websites, CD jackets, apparel, and more. Their unique style blends a touch of mischief with robotic themes, resulting in an original world that balances cuteness with darker undertones. Their most famous creation, To-Fu Oyako, has garnered global recognition and a devoted following.

DEVILROBOTS has collaborated with leading global brands including Bandai, Coca-Cola, Levi’s, Medicom Toy, MoMA Design Store, Nike, Nokia, Paul Smith, Kidrobot, among others, prominently featuring their major characters like To-Fu Oyako, evirob, and Kiiro.

A notable collaboration with the Japanese brand MEDICOM TOY resulted in the iconic To-Fu Oyako figure becoming one of the trendiest products in the market through the Kubrick figures series. To-Fu Oyako was honored with induction into the 7th Annual Designer Toy Award Hall of Fame (2017), presented by Clutter Magazine in NYC.