Title: By Artist KAWS Companion 2016 Open Edition Plastic Art Toy
Shipping: $29.00
Artist: N/A
Period: Contemporary
History: Art
Origin: North America > United States
Condition: Excellent
Item Date: N/A
Item ID: 616
This figure is stamped with the artist's name and date, "KAWS..16," on the underside of the left foot. Additionally, the date and fabricator, "MEDICOM TOY 2016 CHINA," are stamped on the underside of the right foot. The figure stands 7 1/2 inches tall. Please note that there is no indication this figurine has been authenticated. It is a commercial reproduction marketing toy. To understand the work of KAWS is to understand his roots in the skateboard and graffiti crews of New York City. Brian Donnelly chose KAWS as his moniker to tag city streets beginning in the 1990s, and quickly became a celebrated standout in the scene. Having swapped spray paint for explorations in fine art spanning sculpture, painting and collage, KAWS has maintained a fascination with classic cartoons, including Garfield, SpongeBob SquarePants and The Simpsons, and reconfigured familiar subjects into a world of fantasy. Perhaps he is most known for his larger-than-life fiberglass sculptures that supplant the body of Mickey Mouse onto KAWS' own imagined creatures, often with 'x'-ed out eyes or ultra-animated features. However, KAWS also works frequently in neon and vivid paint, adding animation and depth to contemporary paintings filled with approachable imagination. There is mass appeal to KAWS, who exhibits globally and most frequently in Asia, Europe, and the United States.
KAWS, born Brian Donnelly in 1974 in Jersey City, began his career as a graffiti artist in New York City during the 1990s, gaining recognition for altering advertisements with his own characters. His iconic "Companion" figure, characterized by crossed-out eyes, has become a symbol of his work, which often critiques consumer culture. Transitioning from street art to the gallery world, KAWS achieved international success with exhibitions and collaborations with brands like Nike and Dior. Blending fine art and popular culture, KAWS remains a significant figure in contemporary art, known for his large-scale sculptures, paintings, and commercial collaborations.
