The Culture of Street Art: Bearbricks
Bearbricks (also known as Be@rbricks) are collectible toys produced by the Japanese company Medicom Toys and are widely known and appreciated worldwide.
The company was founded in Japan in 1996 and launched its first toy in 2001 as a gift for visitors to the 12th World Character Convention in Tokyo.
Thanks to Medicom Toys, Bearbrick has revolutionized the concept of action figures, transitioning from simple toy models to "art toys" for collectors and icons of street culture.
Today, the popular Bearbrick toys are available in various sizes and materials, ranging from wood to porcelain, carbon fiber, and plastic.
Beloved Themes and Sizes of BEARBRICK
Medicom's Bearbrick toys depict the image of the stylized anthropomorphic bear from which they take their name. Each Bearbrick is made of nine parts: head, torso, hips, arms, hands, and legs.
What sets Bearbricks apart from other collectible models is the themes they represent. From the spooky Bearbricks inspired by the most famous horror films to Bearbricks dedicated to DC Comics superheroes, and Bearbricks honoring acclaimed artists.
Highly sought after are the editions created in collaboration with contemporary artists and designers like Karl Lagerfeld and Vivienne Westwood, as well as with contemporary artists Kaws and Jean Michel Basquiat.
Medicom Toys produces pieces in various sizes: from the Bearbrick 1000% to the Bearbrick 400%, the most cherished by collectors, but smaller sizes are also available. The percentage values that accompany the piece indicate its height: 100% is equivalent to 7 cm, 1000% is equivalent to 70 cm, and 50% is equivalent to 3.5 cm.