plastique ludique at les arts decoratifs, paris

plastique ludique: libuše niklová (1934-1981), designer de jouets
musée de arts decoratifs, paris
on now until november 6th, 2011



libuše niklová
chat, 1963
polyethylene
19 x 20 cm
collection les arts décoratifs
photo © studio toast


the musée des arts décoratifs, paris presents a retrospective exhibition of the work of czech designer libuše niklová (1934-1981)
who was well-known in her home country for creating toys and small figurines.

the exhibition opens with a rare set of small figures and animals, painted by hand, often accompanied by a whistle.
these objects were created between the mid-1950s and mid-1960s for gumotex břeclav where nikova worked.
it was the period after world war II, when wood became an expensive material to use, so the advent of plastic toys emerged.
this first series, originally made from rubber was then produced in PVC. it was during this time in which niklova simplified the shapes
and silhouettes of her characters.



libuše niklová
chèvre, 1965
polyethylene
21 x 24 cm
collection fatra
photo © studio toast


niklova is well known and associated with the firm napajedla fatra where she created a series of pieces that needed to be
assembled by the owner or inflatable PVC toys. she created figurines and animals that exhibit gentle, simplified forms,
including a series of figures that embody various professions including an astronaut, chimney sweeper and doctor.
through her work, she utilized contrasting colors and optical effects to develop cheerful, lively subjects.



libuše niklová
bébé, 1964
polyethylene
20 cm
collection fatra
photo © studio toast


in 1963, she had the idea of using flexible pleated piping to develop a small series of animals and infants that utilize the
trunk hose for their bodies. the result are her 'accordion' toys which encompass a cat, dog, goat and lion that can be taken apart
and reassembled like a construction game. use of the flexible discharge pipe, emits a sound when pressed, further proving the
importance of play in the artist's work.



libuše niklová
ramoneur, 1964
PVC
12.5 cm
photo © studio toast



libuše niklová
infirmière, 1964
PVC
12.5 cm
photo © studio toast



libuše niklová
le petit chaperon rouge, 1969
inflatable plastic
37 cm
collection fatra
photo © studio toast