As intriguing as the Better Days vinyl art toy set (initial coverage) by Coarse x Pop Mart looked in the press photos, the in-person experience was even more impressive. Seen at both Coarse and Pop Mart’s booths at DesignerCon 2023, the first thing that surprises is the large scale of the four figures in the surreal parade. Featuring Paw!, Noop, Sun and Nism, the design offers fond, fun and fantastic memories of a beach vacation beyond compare. The set draws on the concept of the Better Days that helps us cope with the ebb and flow of life.
While the wheeled design might suggest the set is small, say toy car, or pull-toy size, the reality is so much better and bigger. The set’s infectiously playful nature takes on a triumphant presence as it stretches nearly two feet with each of the four figures connected via the magnetic cord system. The sight is pleasantly overwhelming and will likely lead to a hard gulp, wondering where to display the full parade. While they can be displayed eventually or in different configurations such as the 2-figure sets offered by Pop Mart, the smaller groupings won’t have the same effect on the viewer. This is a set that begs for a custom display solution.
In fact, with its larger scale and suitability for a large, prominent display, Better Days blurs the line between art toy and sculpture. It works as both, but perhaps is even more comfortable at the latter. A long time in development, in part due to Coarse’s determination to ensure that the seahorses pulling Noop’s whale chariot ‘float’ in front, Better Days is a blend of art and toys that really does feel like something new, expanding the boundaries of both.
An edition of 199, the Better Days vinyl art toy set (Paw: 12.5″, Noop: 12″, Sun: 11.5″, Nism: 7″) will be available on Thursday (1.18) @ 7:59 AM PST from Coarse for $495.
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