ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

ToyBoyz: Toy Design as Cultural Bridge at IIC Los Angeles

exhibition · 2026-05-04

The "ToyBoyz" exhibition, running until September 20, 2018, at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Los Angeles, explores the intersection of toy design and culture. Curated by Jacopo Manganiello and Igor Zanti, this showcase is part of IED's Not An Artist research initiative. It features works from artists Fidia Falaschetti, Joe Ledbetter/J.Led, Massimo Giacon, and tokidoki/Simone Legno. The exhibition highlights influences of West Coast street art alongside Japanese and Korean manga, while also underscoring business collaborations with ALESSI and KARTELL, aiming to foster cultural connections between Italy and the United States.

Key facts

  • Exhibition 'ToyBoyz' runs until September 20, 2018.
  • Venue: Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Los Angeles.
  • Curated by Jacopo Manganiello and Igor Zanti.
  • Part of IED's Not An Artist research project.
  • Features four artists: Fidia Falaschetti, Joe Ledbetter/J.Led, Massimo Giacon, tokidoki/Simone Legno.
  • Toy Culture blends West Coast street art with Japanese and Korean manga.
  • Highlights business models and connections with ALESSI and KARTELL.
  • Aims to create a bridge between Italy and the United States.

Entities

Artists

  • Fidia Falaschetti
  • Joe Ledbetter
  • J.Led
  • Massimo Giacon
  • tokidoki
  • Simone Legno
  • Takashi Murakami
  • Yayoi Kusama
  • Jacopo Manganiello
  • Igor Zanti

Institutions

  • Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Los Angeles
  • IED – Istituto Europeo di Design
  • ALESSI
  • KARTELL

Locations

  • Los Angeles
  • United States
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Korea

Sources