Rare Device is so excited to bring you Fuzzy Regards by FLABJACKS.
“Fuzzy Regards” represents a series of works on paper, which started off as daily personal reminders and therapeutic explorations for Ton. The exhibition hopes to share warm, cozy and uplifting messages to all. A supportive guide and an everyday dose of optimism, the series carry a message of hope, positivity, personal growth and love.
The main character featured in all the artwork is known as Banana Boo. A free-spirited pal from the imaginary universe of FLABJACKS.
2024 was the year of the dragon, which is also the artist’s Ton’s own zodiac year. Traditionally, in the world of Chinese astrology, this is considered to be a period of potential challenges. Ton felt this ever much so. 2024 was a year that gave Ton one of her biggest blessings; the birth of her second son. It was also a year that felt extra slow. Things felt stagnant, and oftentimes, she found herself feeling “stuck”. Alongside with this general sense of friction and contemplation, Ton found a deeper need to slow down, and embrace whatever sensations that it came with.
Long been a bit of a sucker for anything self-help-ish, Ton began making posters for herself. Posters that would make her happy: posters of one of her most familiar characters Banana Boo, posters with positive messages for her good self, and posters that helped her connect to a softer side. The new works represent a reminder for herself to stay a bit more gentle, during slow times.
About the artist:
Visual artist, Ton Mak, is best known for her series flabby creatures; FLABJACKS. Ton began creating various characters and narratives after graduating from University College London as an Anthropology student. Tying together her love for art, ethnography and story- telling, FLABJACKS are often visual representations of the seemingly mundane and an everyday fantasy world.
To date, FLABJACKS has collaborated with brands such as Nike, Apple, COACH, Swatch and Vans.Her studio is based in San Francisco; a place she has grown to love since moving from Asia in 2020.
Opening reception: Friday, March 13th, 6-8pm at Rare Device
Buy the Pieces online here.