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Exhibitions

Joy Soldiers - A Playful Ode to Identity

Carte Blanche proudly presents Joy Soldiers, the first major solo exhibition by artist Mickaël Mehala, also known as Black Childish. Running on weekends from January 18 to February 9, the show reimagines the iconic green toy soldiers as a vibrant army of unique sculptures. These works celebrate cultural representation, blending elements of identity, lifestyle, and joy into powerful artistic expressions.

Joy Soldiers - A Playful Ode to Identity

Location

Kunst = Leuk
Schutterstraat 17
1315 HA Almere

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Joy Soldiers 

With Joy Soldiers, Black Childish weaves elements of Caribbean heritage, pop culture, and contemporary youth expression into a bold new narrative. Traditional toy soldiers, often symbols of war and conflict, are reimagined to celebrate identity, lifestyle, and cultural heritage. Through his playful yet profound sculptures, some reaching two meters in height, he elevates the everyday into the extraordinary, creating an iconic and uplifting message.

About the Artist: Black Childish (Mickaël Mehala)

Black Childish is a multidisciplinary artist whose vivid, colorful creations draw on his Caribbean roots, hip-hop, and pop culture. His time in Paris helped refine his artistic vision, leading to collaborations with platforms like Omek and WeTransfer and recognition at events like Dutch, More Or Less at Het Nieuwe Instituut. "I believe expressing joy through art is a powerful way to showcase oneself and connect people through shared experiences and culture," says Mickaël.

Joy Soldiers - A Playful Ode to Identity

Location

Kunst = Leuk
Schutterstraat 17
1315 HA Almere

Follow