Adam & Steve
“Adam & Steve” is a satirical and provocative piece created by Death by Toys in 2020. It offers a contemporary queer reading of the biblical founding myth of Genesis. This limited edition includes two hand-painted cast resin action figures. They sit on an illustrated cardboard backing, deliberately echoing vintage toys from the 1980s and 1990s. Each figure measures 9.5 cm and depicts an Adam accompanied, this time, not by Eve, but by “Steve”.
In this iconoclastic reinterpretation, the artist subverts religious imagery with visual intelligence and humor. As a result, the work challenges traditional narratives surrounding sexuality, original sin, and religious normativity. The figures appear nude, except for a leaf referencing the modesty of Eden. They carry the title “From the hit Bible story!”, which directly parodies the language of children’s advertising. In this way, the piece reinforces its ironic tone while reimagining an ancestral narrative from an inclusive and openly critical perspective.
The work engages with the DIY aesthetic of the underground art toy scene. At the same time, it combines precise execution with references to retro collecting and a clear cultural stance. Therefore, “Adam & Steve” moves beyond simple humor. It actively functions as a piece of social commentary that confronts religious homophobia and celebrates sexual diversity through object-based art.
Death by Toys signs the piece under its own label, known for handmade limited editions and an irreverent approach to contemporary collecting. Over time, the work has gained recognition as a cult object within the art toy, queer art, and alternative pop art communities.
Finally, the piece reflects a broader shift within contemporary collectible culture. Objects no longer serve only as decoration. Instead, they operate as vehicles for narrative and ideological expression. In this context, “Adam & Steve” sits at the intersection of art, identity, and design.
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