Art made from unwanted toys raises environmental awareness
A Japanese artist's boundless creativity delights local children and visitors to Hanoi on International Children's Day (June 1).
THE HANOI TIMES —The exhibition features vibrant dinosaur and animal sculptures made from a vast collection of discarded toys collected in Japan.
The art exhibition entitled "Plastic Dinoland" by renowned artist Fuji Hiroshi is now on display with free admission.
The "Plastic Dinoland" exhibition in Hanoi. Photo: Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam
Fuji's work explores the complex relationship between consumerism, waste, and the environment.
Fuji has collected over 50,000 toys, a small fraction of the world's plastic waste problem.
"Plastic Dinoland" features a stunning large-scale installation of dinosaurs and other creatures meticulously constructed from these unwanted toys.
The exhibition draws a powerful connection between the plastic used to make the toys and the fossil fuels derived from prehistoric life, including dinosaurs, highlighting the cyclical nature of consumption and waste.
Through his colorful and visually arresting creations, Fuji encourages viewers to reflect on the role of plastic in their own lives and consider its impact on the planet.
Japanese artist Fuji Hiroshi introduces his artwork to young visitors at his exhibition in Hanoi.
According to Fuji, the vast amount of waste we produce goes unseen simply because it is out of sight.
"Through my work, I strive to make this 'invisible problem' impossible to ignore, to stop viewers in their tracks, and to stir their hearts," he shared.
Bathed in color, creativity, and nostalgia, the recent exhibition became a magnetic space for visitors of all ages to explore a world built from the remnants of childhood.
Phuong Nga, a student from Cau Giay Secondary School, stood among the vibrant installations, phone in hand, capturing the playful yet profound artworks. "This is such a meaningful way to reuse old toys," she said. "These pieces could even be donated down the road. I especially love the ones made from characters I grew up with, like Doraemon!"
A dinosaur model assembled from old toy parts by artist Fuji Hiroshi.
For Hoang Phuong, a young mother from Hoan Kiem District, the exhibition was a bridge between generations. While her child was instantly captivated by the scenes, she too was drawn into the whimsical universe of repurposed toys. "Fuji arranged the toys of Doraemon, Pikachu, and others so meticulously. They're no longer just toys, but works of art that surprise and delight," she said.
The outdoor space of the Japan Foundation Center in Hanoi is also transformed into an imaginative wonderland, thoughtfully curated to invite curiosity and conversation. More than a gallery, it becomes a stage for reflection and a backdrop for memories, with countless young visitors pausing to snap photos, smile, and share the experience.
The exhibition poses an important question: What happens to the things we throw away?
The funky pieces of art delight any young visitor to the exhibition.
By giving forgotten plastic toys a second life as art, the international artist seeks to speak quietly but urgently about the life cycle of plastic and its continuing impact on our planet.
