MINT Museum of Toys Singapore To Launch New Toy Figurines Exhibition Uncovering Generational Shifts

Written by MINT Museum of Toys

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach - 16 May 2022 - Capturing socio-cultural trends nestled in childhood experiences, MINT Museum of Toys Singapore will narrate influential stories that defined playtime in its latest exhibition, UNBOX Presents: Toy Figurines. Open to the public from 28 May to 28 November 2022, the exhibition will unveil the various toy figurines that underpinned and sparked generational shifts, from the evolution of gender norms portrayed by Barbie, G.I. Joe and Bratz to the epitome of transmedia storytelling across the Monster High ecosystem. Museum admission tickets to view this pop-up exhibition can be purchased online via their online ticketing platform.

From Barbie to Rainbow High

Socio-cultural shifts across decades become apparent when surveyed alongside consumer trends within the toy industry. Staying culturally relevant is key to thriving; generational toys, therefore, provide clues to changing societal expectations till today.

"Toys echo societal voices, and at the same time, facilitate the progressive changes in society," shares the UNBOX curational team led by General Manager Mr Christopher Ho. Barbie is a classic example.

They add, "In the economic boom of postwar years, the pioneering Barbie let little girls break away from the domesticated worldviews of earlier paper dolls. Rapid globalisation in the 20th century required adapting the fashion doll for newer markets, which then gave rise to the queen of Japanese dress-up dolls, Licca Chan. The definition of womanhood further shifted and expanded in the age of the Internet that called upon greater representation with more inclusive toys. Here, the racially-diverse Bratz dolls replaced Barbie's single-tone and sweet personas with edgy personalities that empowered young girls"

The rapid spread of global pop culture when the Internet developed allowed many toymakers to dabble in once-taboo areas, like goth and LGBTQ+, which the team opines, laid the successful paths for Monster High and Rainbow High. The narratives of G.I. Joe, He-Man and the Masters of Universe, and M.A.S.K travelled a similar course, among many others, which the public can delve into at the upcoming exhibition.

Highlighting Significant Chapters of History

These generational movements depicted by toys, the team adds, are vital to understanding the role toy figurines played in impacting childhood experiences within the societal peripheries of each decade, lending it a true lever in the study of history. Housing the largest collection of the most popular vintage toys in Singapore and Southeast Asia, the MINT Museum of Toys reiterates the need for society to look back and understand the journey transpired till today. With nuggets of history embedded in each toy figurine, UNBOX exhibitions ^[5] such as these reach out to the inner child of the visitor, allowing them to rediscover and reflect on a past once lived. Also a creative ground for up and coming curators to explore alternative narratives, UNBOX helps to bridge the gap between toys, art and history.

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