J*RYU

Los Angeles artist, Jesse R. Yu (aka J★RYU), is an award winning and visionary artist whose works are focused on exploring the themes of life and death and more intriguingly, what lies beyond.  Kidrobot has worked with J*RYU on various designer art toys that strive to connect with and convey a universal story that connects to people regardless of race, gender or ethnicity. 

Kidrobot released the “It’s A FAD” Dunny Art Figure (2015) designed by JRYU in 8-inch and 20-inch versions.  The 20-inch version was awarded a Designer Toy Award in 2016.  In 2017, Kidrobot released a collection curated and art directed by J*RYU named Arcane Divination.  This collection was built on the theme of mysticism and Tarot cards and featured individual Dunny designs for each Tarot card by artists including JRYU, Tokyo Jesus, GODMACHINE, Camilla D’Errico and Jon-Paul Kaiser.  The SOLD OUT 3-inch Arcane Divination Dunny figure series was well received by fans and critics popular and was awarded Best Mini Series at the 2018 Designer Toy Awards.  Central to this series was the Clairvoyant Dunny Art Figure designed by JRYU that instantly SOLD OUT across multiple versions released.  Kidrobot has announced plans for a new Arcane Divination series to continue with Tarot cards not included in the first series.

Jesse’s artwork has been featured in galleries around the world, including events like Coachella Music Festival and Art Basel Miami.  Prior to his career in fine art, Yu spent 15 years in the corporate world as the owner of a design consultancy firm, working for clients such as Marvel, Sony, Columbia Pictures and more.  Browse art toys designed by JRYU at Kidrobot.com and stay tuned for information regarding future releases.