It sounds like the most fun you can have in art, but Toyism, according to the movement's web site, "is a serious style that, upon closer inspection, often deals with subject matter that may be anything but cheery or humorous."
It's hard to say whether Toyism is a collective or a movement; the 17 artists within the collective are spread across four continents, collaborating on works that have the same robust, colorful, comic style. Toyism originated in the Netherlands as a sort of backlash to modern art movements of the 1970s through the 1990s which, according to the Web site, "was long on sensationalism but short on traditional skills." The Toyists' style is precise, colorful and often comical.
It's also anonymous. Each Toyist assumes a pseudonym beginning with a letter not already in use by another Toyist. "We fans of Toyism are not meant to single out John Q. Famous Artist or Jane Dough, Media Darling," according to the Web site.
Koelsch Gallery will display works by the Toyists beginning with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on September 29.