2016 KAWS Companion Where The End Starts
The 2016 KAWS Companion “Where The End Starts” is a limited edition vinyl figure created by the artist KAWS. It was released in conjunction with his retrospective exhibition at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Texas. The figure features KAWS’ signature Companion character with its hands covering its face, and is available in a variety of colors and sizes. The figure has become highly sought after by collectors and fans of KAWS’ work.
Who is KAWS?
KAWS is a well-known artist who has become famous for his unique style of art. His real name is Brian Donnelly, and he was born in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1974. He began his career as a graffiti artist in the streets of New York City in the 1990s, and he quickly gained a reputation for his distinctive style. KAWS is known for his use of cartoon characters and pop culture icons, which he often reimagines in his own style.
KAWS has worked on a variety of different projects over the years, including creating album covers for musicians like Kanye West and Drake, designing the cover of the New Yorker magazine, and collaborating with brands like Nike and Uniqlo. He has also had several high-profile exhibitions of the kaws his work, including shows at the Brooklyn Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
In recent years, KAWS has become particularly well-known for his sculptures, which often feature his signature characters in larger-than-life form. One of his most famous sculptures is the Companion, which was first created in 1999 and has since become a symbol of KAWS’s work. The 2016 KAWS Companion “Where The End Starts” exhibition features a number of different Companion sculptures, as well as other works by the artist.
What is the “Where The End Starts” exhibition?
The “Where The End Starts” exhibition is a retrospective of the work of KAWS, a renowned artist who has made a name for himself in the contemporary art world. The exhibition features a range of KAWS’ work, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints, and provides a comprehensive overview of his artistic career.
The exhibition is named after one of KAWS’ most famous works, a sculpture of his iconic character Companion, which features prominently in the show. The sculpture is displayed in a variety of different poses and forms throughout the exhibition, and serves as a symbol of KAWS’ artistic vision and creative process.
In addition to the Companion sculptures, the exhibition also features a range of other works by KAWS, including his signature “XX” paintings, which feature bold, graphic designs and bright colors. Visitors to the exhibition can also see a range of KAWS’ other works, including his collaborations with major brands and his more recent pieces, which explore themes of identity, consumerism, and popular culture.
Overall, the “Where The End Starts” exhibition is a must-see for fans of contemporary art and anyone who is interested in exploring the work of one of the most innovative and exciting artists working today.
Overview of the Companion character and its significance in KAWS’ work
The Companion character is one of the most iconic and recognizable creations by the world-renowned artist KAWS. It first appeared in 1999 as a simple cartoonish figure, but has since evolved into a complex and multifaceted character that has become a staple in KAWS’ work.
The Companion character is a representation of KAWS himself, as well as the human condition. It is often depicted in various poses and situations, such as sitting, standing, lying down, or even being restrained. This reflects the different emotions and experiences that people go through in their lives, and how they cope with them.
The Companion character is also significant in KAWS’ work because it has become a symbol of pop culture and consumerism. It has been featured in various collaborations with brands such as Nike, Supreme, and Uniqlo, as well as in high-profile exhibitions and installations around the world.
The 2016 KAWS Companion “Where The End Starts” exhibition at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth showcased the evolution of the Companion character over the years, as well as its significance in KAWS’ broader body of work. The exhibition included sculptures, paintings, drawings, and installations that explored themes of isolation, nostalgia, and the human condition. Overall, the Companion character is a powerful and enduring symbol that continues to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.
Analysis of specific pieces within the exhibition
One of the standout pieces in the 2016 KAWS Companion “Where The End Starts” exhibition is the sculpture entitled “GONE”. This piece features a larger-than-life Companion figure lying face down on the ground, with its arms outstretched and its hands resting on a small suitcase. The figure’s body is covered in a gray, mottled pattern that resembles concrete or stone, while its hands and feet are a bright, almost cartoonish yellow.
At first glance, “GONE” seems to be a commentary on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. The figure’s posture and the suitcase suggest that it is either resting or traveling, and the gray coloration could be interpreted as a representation of decay or dissolution. However, the bright yellow hands and feet indicate that there is still a spark of life or vitality present in the figure, even in its supposed death.
Another notable piece in the exhibition is “COMPANION (PASSING THROUGH)”. This sculpture features a Companion figure standing on a platform, with one arm raised in a wave and the other clutching a suitcase. The figure is covered in a patchwork of bright colors and patterns, including polka dots, stripes, and stars.
“COMPANION (PASSING THROUGH)” seems to be a celebration of life and movement, rather than a meditation on death. The figure’s colorful, vibrant appearance suggests energy and vitality, while the suitcase and raised arm suggest that it is on a journey or an adventure. The use of patterns and colors also enhances the sense of motion and dynamism, as if the figure is constantly in motion or changing.
Overall, the pieces in the 2016 KAWS Companion “Where The End Starts” exhibition are thought-provoking and visually stunning, with a range of themes and interpretations that will resonate with viewers of all ages and backgrounds.