The World of Tim Burton, Hong Kong

From Imagination to Figurine: An Art Piece for Collectors

The World of Tim Burton collaborates with Hot Toys, one of the top brands of collectible figures in the world, to launch the second crossover project. Inspired by a drawing by Tim Burton that was created in the 1980s, Hot Toys transforms the image into collectible figure, adding another precious item to the wish lists of Burton fans and art collectors alike.




A puppet in black and white with blood red lips is already dazzling to the eyes. And in this drawing, Tim Burton definitely has added an extra dash of quirkiness with his signature style, intruding deeper into the hearts of viewers. The drawing is part of Burton’s private collection. Through this collaboration, Hot Toys designs a limited edition figure based on the image and has limited production to only 300 pieces, each uniquely numbered and printed with Burton’s signature.  
 
The works of Hot Toys in the past have won the heart of Tim Burton. And this latest art piece is surely a rare chance for Burton fans to add the master’s stunning creation into their own collection.
 
The project is launched exclusively on FringeBacker to support local art development and provides the one and only chance to acquire this remarkable work of art. Meanwhile, the prototype of the figure will be on display in the exhibition store.
  
 
Curator’s Note
 
This Hot Toys collectible, based on a drawing by American filmmaker and artist Tim Burton, depicts a grinning marionette that acts as its own puppet master.  Imbued with psychological undertones that belie its playful and amusing appearance, this figure embodies a central theme of much of Burton’s films and artworks.  
 
Burton’s oeuvre is defined by subjectivity and the intensely personal, at times almost autobiographical, connections that he feels toward his characters and worlds.  Because he puts so much of his own self into his work, in turn, his work elicits the same passionate reactions from his ardent fans. 
 
This puppet creature, adorned with Burton’s characteristic stripe motif, is composed of a simple color palette of black and white with a hint of red.  Yet, as a puppet manipulating itself, it has the ability to evoke grand emotions of self-persecution.  Perhaps it represents our tendencies to work against our own self.  Perhaps it signifies that our own self is the only person in control of our actions.  While interpretations may vary, this figure is representative of one of the unifiers of Burton’s work—that is, to be emotionally felt.
 
The drawing of this figure, Untitled (Creature Series), is one of the signature artworks in the international touring exhibition The World of Tim Burton.  Exhibited in the “Figurative Works: Men, Women, or Creatures?” section, it is on view with other works that similarly explore the artist’s deeply private psychologies and thoughts.  I am immensely grateful to Tim Burton for opening his personal archive for this public exhibition and hope visitors will enjoy the comprehensive journey into his world.
 
Jenny He