Kaws- Brian Donnelly

Companion Flayed- Black Limited Edition Vinyl Art Toy Collectible Artwork by Modern Pop Artist Kaws. 2016 Unopened Package Limited Open Edition 10.5 X 4.5 X 2.5 / 16.7 X 11.4 X 6.4 CM The Companion Flayed: An Icon of KAWS' Street Pop Art Legacy The Companion Flayed Black Limited Edition Vinyl Art Toy embodies the pinnacle of KAWS' influence in modern pop and street pop art. Unveiled in 2016, this piece is a profound iteration of the most recognizable figure in KAWS' artistic arsenal, the Companion. The artist has reimagined the Companion multiple times, each version laying bare a new facet of its symbolic resonance. The flayed version, particularly in its stark black form, invites viewers to peer beneath the surface, literally and metaphorically, into the layers composing this contemporary icon. Measuring 10.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches, the Companion Flayed stands as a testament to KAWS' ability to manipulate form and content to produce artworks that speak to a generation conversant in the visual language of design, pop culture, and street aesthetics. This series, including full-bodied and flayed versions of the classic character, was released in conjunction with KAWS's exhibition "Where The End Starts" in Fort Worth, Texas. Standing 11 inches tall, the figures were made available through KAWSONE, MoMA, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, marking a significant moment in the intersection of street art and institutional recognition. Companion Flayed's Role in the Dialogue of Street Pop Art KAWS' Companion Flayed is more than a collectible; it's a conversation piece that delves into the dialogue of what Street Pop Art and Graffiti Artwork can be. It's a manifestation of KAWS' unique ability to traverse the spectrum of visual art, from anonymous street tags to globally recognized sculptures. The flayed version, with its exposed internal vibrancy, can be seen as a deconstruction of the character itself and the culture from which it originates. The black color of the figure contrasts with the colorful internal details, creating a visual dialogue between the seen and unseen, the external persona, and the internal complexity. The release of this series through prominent art institutions and KAWS' platform, KAWSONE, reflects the evolving landscape where street-inspired art is as much at home in the museum as on the urban wall. It underscores the fluidity of KAWS' art, capable of eliciting a sense of familiarity while challenging perceptions with its dissected form. This feature has become a recurrent theme in his work. KAWS' Impact on the Art Toy Movement and Beyond The Companion Flayed Black Limited Edition Vinyl Art Toy is emblematic of KAWS' impact on the burgeoning art toy movement. This movement sees the toy as a canvas for artistic expression, a medium that allows the artist to explore form, concept, and accessibility in new ways. Through figures like the Companion Flayed, KAWS has been pivotal in pushing the boundaries of this movement, garnering attention not only from the realms of Street Pop Art and Graffiti Artwork but also from the wider art community and popular culture. The release of this collectible in a limited open edition signifies the democratizing vision KAWS has for art. While each piece holds the allure of exclusivity, the forthcoming edition format ensures it remains within reach for a diverse audience, aligning with the ethos of street art's accessibility. With its distinctive cross-eyed face and x-ed-out eyes, the Companion Flayed has transcended its role as mere merchandise to become an essential touchstone in contemporary art, embodying the interplay between mass culture and high art that defines KAWS' oeuvre.

Read more less

Companion Flayed- Brown Limited Edition Vinyl Art Toy Collectible Artwork by Modern Pop Artist Kaws. 2016 Unopened Package Limited Open Edition 10.5 X 4.5 X 2.5 / 16.7 X 11.4 X 6.4 CM Unveiling the Companion Flayed Brown by KAWS The Companion Flayed Brown Limited Edition Vinyl Art Toy Collectible is a distinctive artifact in the oeuvre of KAWS, an artist whose influence permeates the worlds of modern pop art, street pop art, and graffiti artwork. Released in a highly anticipated series in 2016, this piece showcases the flayed version of KAWS' Companion character. This icon has been reinterpreted across many mediums over the years. Encased in its original, unopened packaging, the figure is presented in a limited open edition, measuring 10.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches. The Companion series is, arguably, the most recognizable aspect of KAWS' work, embodying the cross-pollination of street culture and fine art. The flayed versions, such as this brown edition, offer a visceral look at the internal complexity of the character, juxtaposing vulnerability with the toy's stoic posture. Standing at 11 inches tall, the figures were released in conjunction with KAWS' "Where The End Starts" exhibition in Fort Worth, Texas, through various esteemed outlets, including KAWSONE, MoMA, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. The Companion Flayed Brown in the Context of Street Pop Art The Companion Flayed Brown emerges as a sought-after collectible and a significant commentary within street pop art and graffiti artwork. It continues KAWS' exploration of his characters' emotional and narrative depths, a theme consistent throughout his body of work. The figure's brown hue resonates with the earthiness and authenticity often associated with street art, grounding the otherwise ethereal character in the reality of the physical world. Like its counterparts, this edition offers a tangible connection between the artist's beginnings in graffiti and his ascension into the global art market. The release of such a piece through prominent cultural institutions underscores the recognition and acceptance of street-inspired art within formal art circles. The Companion Flayed Brown thus serves as both a milestone for KAWS and a symbol of the evolving perceptions of street pop art in contemporary culture. KAWS and the Evolution of Art Toys KAWS' Companion Flayed Brown symbolizes the evolution of the art toy movement, blurring the lines between plaything and high art. The careful crafting of this collectible, from its conceptual underpinnings to its meticulous production, highlights the artist's commitment to challenging the boundaries of traditional art forms. The flayed aesthetic invites viewers to confront identity's constructed nature and the layers comprising our public personas. The 2016 series of Companions, including the Brown Flayed edition, marks a pivotal moment in the history of art toys, propelling them into the realm of legitimate artistic collectibles. KAWS' approach to the Companion series reflects a nuanced understanding of the art toy as a medium capable of conveying complex themes akin to those found in street pop art and graffiti artwork. Through works like the Companion Flayed Brown, KAWS cements his status as an innovator who continuously redefines the interplay between commercial and fine art.

Read more less

Companion Flayed- Blush Red Limited Edition Vinyl Art Toy Collectible Artwork by Modern Pop Artist Kaws. 2016 Unopened Package Limited Open Edition 10.5 X 4.5 X 2.5 / 16.7 X 11.4 X 6.4 CM KAWS' Companion Flayed in Blush Red: A Vibrant Expression in Street Pop Art The Companion Flayed in Blush Red is a vibrant beacon in the expansive body of work by KAWS, the renowned modern pop artist. As part of a comprehensive series launched in 2016, this limited open edition piece captivates with its striking color and intricate design. Enclosed in its original, unopened packaging, the figure measures 10.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches and profoundly expresses the interplay between street art sensibilities and the collectible art toy market. KAWS, real name Brian Donnelly, has established a legacy of creating figures that resonate deeply with Street Pop Art and Graffiti Artwork motifs. The Companion, perhaps his most famous creation, has been reimagined in various forms, each revealing a different aspect of its character and the artist's philosophy. The flayed versions, such as this one in blush red, lay bare the internal workings of the figure, offering a literal and figurative dissection of its form. The Cultural Resonance of KAWS' Companion Series The Companion Flayed Blush Red Edition embodies a significant cultural moment for KAWS and the broader art world, coinciding with his acclaimed "Where The End Starts" exhibition in Fort Worth, Texas. Like its counterparts, this figure stands at 11 inches tall, embodying a commanding and intimate presence. Released through platforms such as KAWSONE, MoMA, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, the Companion series signifies the acceptance and celebration of street-influenced art within prestigious art spaces. The Companion Flayed series, with its exposed and vibrant innards, is a powerful commentary on the nature of emotional and physical exposure. The blush red colorway adds a dimension of warmth and connectivity, contrasting with street art's often cold and impersonal perception. KAWS plays with the dichotomy of the inner self versus the outer persona, inviting contemplation on the complexities of identity and the facades we maintain. Impact and Collectibility of KAWS' Flayed Companions The Companion Flayed Blush Red edition is not only a visually striking piece but also one of high collectible value. The decision to release the figure in an open edition format reflects KAWS' desire to democratize art ownership, allowing more enthusiasts to possess a piece of his vision. This approach aligns with the ethos of street art, which traditionally emphasizes accessibility and community engagement. With its unopened packaging and pristine condition, this particular edition is a coveted item for collectors of modern art toys and followers of KAWS alike. The piece's aesthetic appeal and significance in the trajectory of street pop art and graffiti artwork make it a multifaceted artwork that is both a cultural artifact and a testament to KAWS's enduring impact on contemporary art. The Companion Flayed in Blush Red is a bold statement on the permeable boundaries between commercial art, street culture, and fine art, a boundary that KAWS navigates with unparalleled finesse.

Read more less

Companion Flayed- Grey Limited Edition Vinyl Art Toy Collectible Artwork by Modern Pop Artist Kaws. 2016 Unopened Package Limited Open Edition 10.5 X 4.5 X 2.5 / 16.7 X 11.4 X 6.4 CM Exploring the Companion Flayed Grey by KAWS The Companion Flayed Grey by KAWS is a significant piece in the trajectory of street-inspired art. As a modern pop artist, KAWS has redefined the boundaries of street pop and graffiti artwork, bringing it into high art and collectible design. This 2016 limited open edition piece is a prime example of his artistry. It is encapsulated in a 10.5 x 4.5 x 2.5-inch figure that has remained in its pristine, unopened package, catering to art collectors and enthusiasts alike. KAWS' Companion has become a hallmark within his expansive portfolio, showcasing the character in various forms and mediums. The flayed version strips the character to its skeletal essence and speaks to the vulnerability and underlying complexity that street art often seeks to convey. Released with his "Where The End Starts" exhibit in Fort Worth, Texas, the Companion Flayed Grey has been distributed through KAWSONE, MoMA, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, standing tall at 11 inches. Significance of the Flayed Companion in Street Pop Art The Grey Flayed Companion is a testament to the evolving narrative of street pop art. By presenting a figure that is traditionally whimsical and playful in a dissected form, KAWS invites viewers to ponder the intersection of life's fragility and the often robust, vibrant nature of street art. The grey hue of this particular figure adds a somber tone to the piece, possibly reflecting the concrete jungle that street art often inhabits. Yet, it stands not as a mere representation of street art but as an artifact that bridges the gap between collectible toys and meaningful art. This figure is significant for its aesthetic and role in the more extensive dialogue of what constitutes art in the public realm. By elevating the Companion to a museum-worthy piece while maintaining its roots in street culture, KAWS challenges and expands the definition of street pop art. Through its release in prestigious venues, the Companion Flayed Grey underscores the permeable lines between commercial art and the fine art sector. KAWS' Companion Series: A Reflection on Modern Collectibles The Companion series, especially the Flayed Grey edition, reflects the burgeoning interest in art toys as legitimate collectibles. KAWS' ability to capture the collective imagination with his Companion figures has elevated the status of art toys, placing them on the same pedestal as traditional artworks. The meticulous design and production of the Flayed Companion Grey, with its detailed anatomy visible beneath a translucent exterior, showcase KAWS' dedication to craftsmanship and conceptual depth. Released in an open edition, the Companion Flayed Grey makes KAWS' work accessible to a broader audience, aligning with the democratic nature of street art. It embodies a fusion of street pop art aesthetics with the collectibility and desirability of limited edition pieces. As such, the Companion Flayed Grey is not jus a cultural icon that captures the essence of KAWS' impact on the art world and his pioneering role in the street art movement.

Read more less