KAWS is an American artist and designer renowned for his larger-than-life figures, merchandise, and exhibitions. His iconic artwork featuring bold colors, whimsical characters, and signature cross outlines has earned him legions of fans around the world. KAWS’s most famous figure is his Companion vinyl toy, which he created in 1999. The 12-inch version of the chubby anthropomorphic creature with its X-ed out eyes has become a hugely popular collectable item over the years.
In addition to individual works and limited edition items, KAWS frequently participates in art fairs and international exhibitions. He recently hosted a series entitled “What Party” at Leading contemporary galleries such as Tokyo’s Perrotin New York City’s NANZUKA where past works such as Lonesome, Lost & Lonely was exhibited alongside all new pieces like OUT OF SIGHT, FORWARD TOGETHER (recycled plastic) and DOFIVE (bronze). Later this year, KAWS will also take part in MOMENTUM 8: Amalia Pica at Kunsthal Charlottenborg from May–August 2021 featuring a colorful collection of various consumer goods across pop culture comic books, videos games and more .
KAWS is also scheduled to hold solo exhibitions at the Yuz Museum Shanghai with “The Nature of Need”, Japan’s Mori Art Museum with “Householding” where hundreds of original sculptures made for different environments were exhibited; as well as Fort Mason Centre for Arts & Culture in San Francisco after nearly two decades absence since his 2001 retrospective ADVANCE THE kawsfigures.org link WORLD at Japanese museum Ujimaru Art museum NonePenny Tapestries exhibition coming up this fall.
Introduction to KAWS figure and its popularity
KAWS is an internationally-renowned artist who has done many exhibitions around the world. His solo exhibition, What Party More Exhibitions, was a special event taking place in Iowa City in 2018. The exhibition featured works from his celebrated cartoon-style of art including sculptures, paintings, and prints.
Visitors were able to explore the vast array of KAWS’ work and be inspired by his use of color and emotion. Some pieces highlighted certain themes such as consumer culture and pop culture references whereas other pieces were more abstract or had a dark sense of humor about them. The exhibition also showcased some of KAWS’ larger installations that he had created for various galleries throughout the years.
The What Party More Exhibitions was truly an illuminating experience for all those who attended; each person was able to take away something different from their time at this extraordinary event. Whether you are familiar with KAWS’ work or discovering it for the first time, attending this gallery is definitely worth your while!
Overview of KAWS exhibitions and their themes
KAWS is a renowned artist who has gained worldwide recognition for his unique style and creative designs. His exhibitions have been held in various parts of the world, showcasing his impressive collection of sculptures, paintings, and other artworks.
One of KAWS’ most popular exhibitions was the “KAWS: Holiday” series, which featured giant inflatable sculptures of his iconic characters in various locations around the world. The aim of this exhibition was to bring art to the masses and create a fun, interactive experience for visitors.
Another notable exhibition was “KAWS: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness,” which was held at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia. This exhibition explored the themes of isolation and connection in today’s society, and featured a range of KAWS’ artworks that addressed these issues.
In addition to these exhibitions, KAWS has also held shows in New York, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, among other places. Each exhibition has its own unique theme and set of artworks, showcasing KAWS’ versatility as an artist.
Overall, KAWS’ exhibitions are known for their creativity, innovation, and ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. Whether it’s through his giant inflatable sculptures or his thought-provoking paintings, KAWS continues to captivate audiences around the world with his unique vision and artistic talent.
Comparison between the “What Party” and “More” exhibitions
The “What Party” and “More” exhibitions by KAWS have both been highly anticipated and well-received by fans and art enthusiasts alike. While they both showcase KAWS’ signature style and iconic character designs, there are some notable differences between the two exhibitions.
The “What Party” exhibition, which debuted in 2019, features a range of new and old pieces by KAWS, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. The exhibition centers around the theme of “celebration” and features brightly colored pieces that are meant to evoke a sense of joy and excitement. Some of the standout pieces from the “What Party” exhibition include the giant KAWS Companion inflatable sculptures and the neon light installations.
In contrast, the “More” exhibition, which opened in 2021, is a more introspective and contemplative show. The pieces on display are darker and more subdued, with a focus on themes of isolation and introspection. The exhibition features a mix of new and old works, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings. Some of the standout pieces from “More” include the “GONE” sculpture and the “Untitled (Kimpsons)” painting.
Overall, while both exhibitions are excellent showcases of KAWS’ work, they have distinct themes and tones. “What Party” is a playful and exuberant celebration, while “More” is a more somber and contemplative exploration of the human condition.
Analysis of the artworks and installations in each exhibition
When analyzing the artworks and installations in each KAWS figure exhibition, it’s important to consider the themes and messages conveyed by the artist. KAWS, whose real name is Brian Donnelly, is known for his distinctive style of combining pop culture icons with his own characters and designs.
In the “What Party” exhibition, which debuted in 2019, KAWS showcased a range of sculptures and paintings that explored themes of identity and self-expression. The exhibition featured several large-scale sculptures, including a towering pink figure holding a smaller companion, and a giant blue “Companion” figure lying on its back.
One of the standout pieces in the exhibition was a series of paintings that depicted KAWS’s signature “Companion” character in various poses and settings. The paintings were done in a bold, graphic style, with bright colors and strong lines.
In contrast, the “More” exhibition, which debuted in 2016, focused more on KAWS’s collaborations with other artists and designers. The exhibition featured a range of sculptures, paintings, and installations that showcased KAWS’s collaborations with brands like Nike and Uniqlo, as well as his work with fellow artists like Takashi Murakami and Hajime Sorayama.
One of the most notable pieces in the “More” exhibition was a massive sculpture of KAWS’s “Companion” character wearing a Mickey Mouse hat and holding a shopping bag. The sculpture was displayed in front of a giant mural that featured KAWS’s characters alongside iconic cartoon characters like Snoopy and SpongeBob SquarePants.
Overall, both the “What Party” and “More” exhibitions showcased KAWS’s unique style and his ability to blend pop culture with his own artistic vision. By analyzing the artworks and installations in each exhibition, we can gain a deeper understanding of KAWS’s creative process and the themes that inspire his work.