Pothead v.2 x Alex Solis [COPPED]

Here at CISED, where we “Celebrate Ill Shit Every Day,” we approach art and creativity from a consumer standpoint. One of the aims to drive people to support artists by purchasing art pieces that are available for sale. With that considered, I thought I’d start sharing ill shit that I actually bought myself. I’m broke, but I’m practicing what I preach, some would say.

If you’ve been following, you know that I’m into art toys. To me, designer toys with their craftsmanship and rarity are just as much art as an illustration, painting or sculpture. I’m a broke hypebeast, so my collection is in its fledgling stages, but I just made an addition to it that I’m really happy with. That new addition is the Pothead v.2 by Alex Solis. The Pothead is Solis’ original concept depicting a young person smoking a joint (my kind of people). While the first version features more of a face with a single line of smoke coming out of his mouth, the one I grabbed has a head covered in billowing smoke. Both versions have a removable beanie (with brain attached), exposing a hollowed-out head, making the creation suitable for either serving as a planter or stash spot (I’ll probably use it as the latter).

This piece appealed to me because it combines two of my favorite things: art toys and ganja. Having somewhat of an idea of all that goes into getting a designer toy created, the very existence of this piece is impressive. Solis’ artistic prowess is on full display with the imagery and its double use as a potter/stash adds to the allure. This piece exceeded my expectations in size and weight. It measures 8.5” tall, it’s heavy and durable. It is separated from other art toys because instead of being crafted out of vinyl or resin, it is made out of polystone. Also, this Pothead seems special to me because Solis announced on Instagram that it was originally intended to be a display piece “set aside for conventions that unfortunately got canceled this year.” I had the money, so I had to cop. It was also a great surprise to find that the printed box that the figure came in is signed.

You should check out Alex Solis’ art on Instagram. He’s really dope and his work is truly a mindfuck most of the time, living up to his brand name, Oddworx. A lot of his endeavors focus on combining classic characters and making them interact in a throwed manner. While perusing the available pieces at pop art exhibitor Gallery1988, I came across “Garfield Unmasked,” a limited edition 8x8 print showing fellow orange cartoon cat Heathcliff wearing a Garfield costume and holding his counterpart’s head in his hands. I also needed to grab one of these as someone who preaches that Heathcliff was superior to Garfield.

You can check out Alex Solis’ work on his official website, oddworx.com, or follow him on Instagram at @alexmdc.

For the Diaspora shop, click here.

For the Black American shop, click here.

For flags, click here.

For books, click here.