Plastic Nostalgia

Arts Co, 2008

Raw Edges are inspired by the specific design language of Fisher Price Toys from the 1970's.  Yael Mer and Shay Alkalay have chosen one of the ultimate symbols of high quality, brightly coloured, highly finished plastic, which during theirs and many childhoods typified homes across the world.  Fisher Price toys with their plastic properties of durability and myriad shape and colour possibilities were seen on every nursery floor, a positive symbol of a plastic manufacturing age. 

In this modern twist on a beloved design language, with Plastica Nostalgia Raw Edges have created works which look like they are plastic, brightly coloured and highly finished, but are in fact made from carefully crafted beech wood.  Plastica Nostalgia’s emotional value lies in the treasured memories the old pieces of Fisher Price plastic evoke.  These elements assume a new life at the centre of a piece of contemporary furniture.   Plastica Nostalgia has ‘Alice in Wonderland’ qualities as the scale of our childhood toys, now dwarfed by adulthood, regain some of their stature in this sympathetic environment.