Continuing from Project 4: After presenting to the European Press Prize, I have several questions to consider:
- What do I want to focus on in this topic? Is it about cuteness? Is it about pollution? Is it about art?
- Where is the focus area? Is it global?
- Who are my stakeholders? Are they consumers?
I need to be specific about my research area. Currently, I am interested in the word ‘cute’, which I find very powerful. ‘Cute’ can express something in an easily understandable way.
The reason for my interest in the word ‘cute’ is the way artists create art toys. These toys appear cute to people, yet their meanings are often dark and sad. The contrast between their appearance and their meaning is striking.
I read a book called The Power of Cute by Simon May. It explores how cuteness affects modern culture. While cuteness seems harmless and sweet, he argues it also has a darker, more complex side. He discusses how cuteness influences consumerism and relationships, often making us care for or control cute things. The book suggests that cuteness shapes our feelings and societal norms in surprising ways, offering a deep look at its impact on our lives.
After reading this book, I believe it will help me with my project.
- Contrast in Design: How art toys use the concept of cuteness to present deeper, darker meanings. May’s exploration of how cuteness can be both comforting and unsettling can support artistic choices.
- Consumerism and Power: Use May’s analysis of cuteness and consumerism to explain how art toys engage people. I can discuss how the appeal of cuteness influences consumer behaviour and emotional responses.
- Emotional Duality: Emphasize the dual nature of cuteness in art toys, showing how they evoke both care and control. This can deepen the narrative and emotional impact of art.
Over the weekend, I visited Forbidden Planet London Megastore, a toy shop located in Shaftesbury, London. The store was bustling with people, mostly adults (both young and old), and some families with children. The shop sells a wide variety of collectible toys from comics, cartoons, and animations. Funko Pop figures seemed to be the most popular items! While Funko Pops are available in Thailand, but they don’t popular as same as here.
Reference:
May, S. (2019) The Power of Cute. Princeton: Princeton University Press.