Violent Plush Toys by Patricia Waller

You probably think of a plush toy as something very cute and soft you go to sleep with. Well, at least until you get to know Patricia Waller, a German-based artist, born in Chile whose knitted toys are a little bit different. Her twisted textile art has been featured in art galleries and exhibits around the world. Using knitting wool as an art medium, Patricia contrasts the notion of cartoon-style children’s toys with often violent and macabre elements.

“Due to the technique of crocheting – all my works are produced by myself in handicraft – and the selection of the subject matter, my works seem harmless at first sight. But if you take a closer look, you will discover biting irony and a strong dose of dark humor,” said Patricia.

This awareness campaign was commissioned by Caritas Germany (a non-profit for humanitarian aid) to prevent children from media exposure to violent images. Ironically, it features pop culture and cartoon characters brutalized in comical pools of red yarn blood. Well, that's one way to do creative advertising. When looking at the pictures, many people don’t realize that these toys are really huge — for instance, the shark is almost 6.5ft (2 meters) long!

Now only proceed if you have nerves of steel and enjoy a little sick humor. Otherwise, look away if you don’t want your childhood ruined. Enjoy and don’t forget to subscribe!

Website: patriciawaller.com

Advertising Agency: BBDO, Dusseldorf, Germany | Chief Creative Officer: Toygar Bazarkaya | Executive Creative Director: Sebastian Hardieck | Art Director: Lena Tuczek | Copywriter: Kenny Blumenschein | Illustrator: Patricia Waller | Photographer: Patricia Waller | Art Buyer: Eva A Wengen | Advertiser's Supervisor: Verena Schoedel | Account Manager: Bianca Sauer | Account Supervisor: Eva-Maria Kalcker

(All images are ©Patricia Waller, and used with permission)

P.S.: No, really - we don't sell these plush toys, so don't send us emails asking where to get them.