OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — A well-known professional toy photographer is preparing an indoor art exhibit in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma Science Museum. It’s perfect for all ages, as it combines toys for kids and nostalgia for adults.
“It truly feels like a dream come true to be able to hold an exhibition at this museum,” Mitchell Wu said.
On Tuesday, Wu was preparing his most dynamic and comprehensive exhibition to date, “Out of the Toy Box.”
You may have seen Wu’s work Instagram, Like the one at the Science Museum of Oklahoma.
“When our gallery director decided we should have an entire exhibition dedicated to his work,” said Sherry Marshall, John E. Kirkpatrick President and CEO of Science Museum of Oklahoma, I was really overjoyed.”
Wu is driven by several factors, including his childhood.
“‘Popeye’ was one of my favorite cartoons when I was a kid,” Wu said.
He also incorporates things from his daughter’s childhood.
“This is a story that I read to my daughter at least once a week as she’s growing up,” Wu said, standing next to the “Where the Wild Things Are” exhibit.
Children who go by Tuesday recognized special characters.
“Is it based on Strawberry Shortcake?” asked Remington McLemore, who was walking past the limited edition exhibit. “I watched it all my childhood.”
Wu also draws on his own experiences, like the model he used to portray the Flintstones running away from King Kong.
“This is partly influenced by the commuting experience,” Wu said. “This is truly prehistoric life.”
Wu said his main goal is to tell a story, even if it’s an unfamiliar one.
“Darth Vader is a dark and evil character,” Wu said. “Is he still that evil man even when he takes time off from his job?”
Wu said he would only use practical effects such as compressed air and mini fireworks.
“There’s going to be an explosion here, and there’s going to be dirt,” Wu said, pointing to the Incredible Hulk exhibit.
“I’d rather sit in the garden and blow off fireworks than sit in front of a computer and create digital effects,” Wu said.
To make the exhibit even more special, Wu collaborated with friends to create a diorama for the Science Museum of Oklahoma.
“I think this museum is particularly distinctive with its blue planetarium dome,” Wu said.
By Tuesday, the limited exhibition had already generated a great response.
“It feels real and amazing and just magical here,” McLemore said.
“I believe that creativity and imagination are only useful as you get older,” Wu said.
The full exhibit will officially open on May 18th. The exhibit will be on display on his second floor at the Science Museum of Oklahoma for about a year. There is no additional charge to view the exhibit.
