the art collectors

Friday, June 27th, 2008

The Shape of KAWS to Come

This is an exciting time for KAWS. All signs are pointing to the next level of artistic success and notoriety, as he prepares to unveil a fresh body of fine art and continues to collaborate with even more prominent artists and brands.

The recent cross-over with i-D Magazine highlights a more vocal side of the often elusive artist, and hints at things to come. The July 08 issue not only includes a substantial interview with the man himself, but also features several well-known faces within the fashion, art, and entertainment fields, who all have something to add about their appreciation for the artist. Whether you’re lucky enough to get the limited KAWS cover, read carefully, and get the inside scoop on an upcoming fashion project with Marc Jacobs (indeed a shift from the streetwear brands he has typically collaborated with) and details on two upcoming U.S. solo gallery exhibits, both slated for Fall 2008.

To commemorate the monumental issue, i-D has produced a video interview with KAWS, which can now be seen on their website (in high-res QuickTime). We have a low-res version available in Flash, so it’s easy for everyone to view (click off the vid to hide the controls):

Along with glimpses of KAWS’ newest series of paintings, the careful viewer will notice yet to be released vinyl figures, including the Black Four Foot Companion and what appears to be a take-off on Pipo Kun, the mascot of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Force, a character which KAWS has previously incorporated into his art.

Perhaps most interesting is a 12 inch resin sculpture collaboration with contemporary Chinese art star, Yue Minjun, crossing the Chinese artist’s signature wide-mouthed self portrait, with both the Kaws Companion (see shorts) and Accomplice (hands over eyes) characters. The figure is part of the Museum of Tomorrow’s exhibit, Art For The Masses. Located in Taipei, Taiwan, the month-long event showcases 3 dimensional figures by five Chinese contemporary artists. While other sources have reported a price for the individual Minjun x KAWS figure, it is only available as part of a 5 piece set, priced at $10,000 USD (Source: Museum of Tomorrow/MOT). With Min Jun holding the record for the most expensive work ever sold by a Chinese contemporary artist, the price tag should come as no surprise. Exhibit runs June 27th – July 27th.