Eric So, a pioneering figure in designer toys and a leading artist from Hong Kong, has brought pop art titans Andy Warhol and Keith Haring to life in VCD form. The pieces capture the essence of both artists while incorporating So's signature pop-inspired arrangements, resulting in products that are uniquely his own. Following their announcement as commemorative items for this year's "DCON" in Las Vegas, they are now set for release in Japan! To mark the occasion, we sat down with Eric So for an interview.
As this marks a reunion with MEDICOM TOY after some time, he shared his memories of that era and his thoughts on art toys.

—You've collaborated with MEDICOM TOY on several occasions, including the "24 Views of Bruce Lee" 12-inch figure series released in 2001, and BE@RBRICKs. Could you start by sharing your memories from those times?

Eric So(Hereafter, Eric) It all began with the Bruce Lee figures, followed by BE@RBRICK So Fun, and then BE@RBRICK Estate. Wow... The memories from back then feel as vivid as if they were yesterday. This journey started with the planning of the <The Art of Bruce Lee> exhibitions in Tokyo and New York. A friend living in New York introduced me to MEDICOM TOY, and when I first met Mr. Akashi in Hong Kong, my creative path was guided in a new direction, moving from advertising and illustration work to the production of toys and action figures.

ERIC SO
Eric So transitioned from the advertising industry to become a cross-media artist in the 1990s. While exploring new and innovative fields, he broke ground in the Hong Kong art scene with the groundbreaking exhibition "The Art of Bruce Lee," earning international acclaim.
Since 2000, he has channeled his creativity into action figures, expressing imaginative ideas through various forms. By merging the extremes of realistic sculpting techniques and a unique cartoon design style, Eric So coined the term "designer toy."
Beyond his figure work, he has engaged in cross-disciplinary creations that transcend conventional boundaries in areas such as art shows, trendy apparel, eyewear, album packaging, stage design, and even chocolate. He embodies the philosophy that "art is essential to life, and art exists everywhere." His striking works, particularly the "So Fun" series, have brought Eric So widespread recognition, serving as a prime example of the successful fusion of artist and creation.
In his own artistic practice, he strives to temper the rationality of commercialism with art, and to integrate the sensibility of art into commercialism. This mirrors the Chinese concept of Yin and Yang, where two opposing forces complement each other, coexisting elegantly and maintaining balance.
From his early days to the present, his work has taken root globally, leading to collaborations with numerous international brands, including Coca-Cola, Disney, Toyota, Nike, KFC, Meiji, Sony Music, Heineken, YG Entertainment, MEDICOM TOY, Playboy, Popeye, Warner Bros., and Bonhams.
Eric's unique and understated style has captivated many celebrities, with individuals such as BIG BANG, Michael Jordan, Edison Chen, Arata Iura, Futura, and Jay Chou commissioning him to create their own "art figures."
Currently, Eric So serves as a full-time artist and the Creative Director of Papamamason. His art is deeply rooted in Hong Kong, and from this core, he disseminates his original thinking and creativity to the world.

—You graduated from design school and worked as a Creative Director at an advertising agency before holding your first exhibition in 1996. You began producing figures in 1998. Could you tell us about your motivations for creating figures at that time?

EricLike many boys, I grew up fascinated by manga, anime, and toys. Even as an adult, these fond memories never faded. Once I started earning a decent income, I often felt a desire to reclaim the treasures I couldn't afford as a child.

I began collecting action figures, including iconic characters like Batman, Superman, Kamen Rider, and Ultraman. However, as I looked at my collection, I started to wonder, "Why is the quality of these toys so mediocre?" This curiosity led me to experiment with repainting, modifying, and customizing figures. Eventually, I started from scratch, sculpting, creating molds, and casting my own pieces.

—Could you tell us about the background leading to the creation of "VCD ANDY WARHOL by ERIC SO" and "VCD KEITH HARING by ERIC SO"?

EricCreating 3D models of Warhol and Haring was a very personal decision for me. Initially, it was a project I intended to keep for my own collection. A few years later, I began exploring the possibility of releasing it to the public. So, I reached out to MEDICOM TOY to see if it would be possible to produce it as part of their VCD series.

—As a fellow artist, what are your impressions of Andy Warhol and Keith Haring, and what influence have they had on you?

EricTheir work taught me how accessible art could be. Growing up in Hong Kong, art felt distant and unattainable, almost like it belonged to another world. But discovering Warhol and Haring introduced me to pop art and made me feel that art was within reach. That resonated deeply with me.

—What were your considerations when designing and creating three-dimensional versions of them? Were there any specific points you focused on?

EricIt's similar to Bruce Lee; I love their art and I respect the iconic imagery of figures like them. This inspiration drives me to create in my own style.

—What are your thoughts on collaborating with MEDICOM TOY again after so long?

EricIt feels like meeting an "old friend" again. It always brings me joy.

—You've undertaken numerous projects over the years. How do you reflect on that journey?

EricAs you know, I've been involved in creative work for about 25 years. In addition to creating figures, I explore trends across various fields, including fashion, eyewear, album cover concepts, stage design, and even chocolate. This reflects my belief that "art is essential to life, and art exists everywhere." In recent years, I've been dedicating more time to painting and art exhibitions that leave a particularly strong impression on me.

—Over the past 25 years, the position of designer toys and art toys in the global scene has changed significantly. How do you view the current situation?

EricFirstly, while "trendy toys" or "art toys" are generally categorized as "blind boxes" or "vinyl toys," this concept differs greatly from what we are accustomed to. I always emphasize that "these are trendy toys, not the trend of toys." Our toys are part of a broader trend where everything is interconnected: fashion, film, music, sports, art, and culture. Therefore, we refer to them as "trendy toys."

—Could you tell us about the scene in Hong Kong as well?

EricThere's no denying that over the past decade, capital markets have created a significant trend and market for toys in China and Hong Kong. This is unprecedented. I want to emphasize that while the market is trending, we must remain true to the original intent of creating toys and focus on the inspiration and contribution they offer to people, much like art. Only then can we truly call them "art toys" and emphasize their artistic value, not just their price.

—Thank you for your time amidst your busy schedule. Lastly, could you share an update on your current activities and future plans?

EricI will continue to release toy creations periodically, alongside my art series including <Lost. Singularity> and <The Storyteller>, as well as my ceramic work. On another front, I'm assisting my wife (singer-songwriter Ivana Wong) with the planning of her <fatBottle> characters, and we'll be releasing limited edition products in conjunction with her concerts and art exhibitions.

VCD ANDY WARHOL by ERIC SO (DCON Ver.)
Size | Approx. 200mm in height
Release Date | Scheduled for release in December 2024 at MEDICOM TOY's directly managed stores and online shops
Price | ¥19,800 each (tax included)
©︎/®/™ The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc.

VCD KEITH HARING by ERIC SO (DCON Ver.)
Size | Approx. 200mm in height
Release Date | Scheduled for release in December 2024 at MEDICOM TOY's directly managed stores and online shops
Price | ¥19,800 each (tax included)
©︎ Keith Haring Foundation Licensed by Artestar, New York