Robert Lazzarini Companion- Brown Limited Edition Vinyl Art Toy Collectible Artwork by street graffiti artist Kaws. 2010 Companion (Brown), 2010 Painted cast vinyl 7 x 5-1/4 x 2-1/2 inches (17.8 x 13.3 x 6.4 cm) Stamped to the underside of the feet Produced by Medicom Toy and OriginalFake, Tokyo Displayed With Box. The Intersection of Artistic Mediums: Robert Lazzarini Companion by KAWS The Robert Lazzarini Companion in brown is a pivotal example of how the art toy movement has become a significant part of street pop and graffiti artwork. Released in 2010, this limited edition collectible is a collaboration between KAWS and the artist Robert Lazzarini. It stands out for its distorted dimensions and altered geometries, which challenge traditional representations and perceptions of art. Created by Medicom Toy and OriginalFake, this painted cast vinyl sculpture measures 7 x 5-1/4 x 2-1/2 inches, with the stamp on the underside of the feet attesting to its authenticity. It is displayed with its original box, featuring a sketched version of the figure that mirrors the three-dimensional form within. This collectible intersects the playful form of a toy with the gravitas of a sculpture, a characteristic approach by KAWS to merge various aspects of pop culture and fine art. OriginalFake and Medicom Toy: Crafting Iconic Collectibles The partnership between OriginalFake and Medicom Toy for the production of the Robert Lazzarini Companion highlights the importance of collaboration in creating street pop art. OriginalFake, the official store and brand of KAWS, and Medicom Toy, a leader in collectible figures, bring a high level of craftsmanship and artistry that elevates the Companion series beyond mere toys into the realm of art. This collectible's association with Tokyo, a city known for its dynamic art scene and innovative subcultures, further solidifies its status as a cultural artifact within the street art movement. Collectors of these pieces are often drawn to the intersection of contemporary art and urban culture that KAWS embodies and the meticulous attention to detail and quality that Medicom Toy provides. KAWS: A Modern Visionary in Street Pop Art KAWS, whose real name is Brian Donnelly, is widely celebrated as a modern visionary in street pop art. His works, which often feature motifs like crossed-out eyes and exaggerated body parts, resonate deeply within the urban art scene and beyond. With its distinct brown hue and unique perspective warping, the Robert Lazzarini Companion represents KAWS's continuous exploration of form and space. The collectible's design is a testament to KAWS's ability to transcend the traditional borders of street graffiti art, positioning it within the collector's sphere as a coveted piece. His works not only adorn the walls of cityscapes but also inhabit the shelves of art enthusiasts who appreciate the blend of accessible art and high-end collectibility. Cultural Significance of the Lazzarini Companion The cultural significance of the Lazzarini Companion lies in its ability to encapsulate the ethos of street pop art within a tangible form. It is a physical manifestation of the dialogue between street art's accessibility and the exclusivity of the art collector's world. By owning a piece like the Lazzarini Companion, collectors are not just acquiring a physical object but a piece of contemporary culture that carries the narrative of street art's evolution and its ongoing conversation with the broader art world. In the context of graffiti artwork, the Companion series challenges the ephemeral nature of street art, providing permanence and collectibility to a form of art that was once fleeting. As such, the Lazzarini Companion by KAWS becomes not just a collectible but an important cultural marker within the street pop art movement.

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Companion Model Drawing Original Graphite Drawing by Robert Lazzarini on Fine Art Paper Modern Street Pop Artwork. 2010 Signed Original Graphite Pencil Drawing Size 11.5x14.5. Robert Lazzarini (b. 1965) Companion Model Drawing, c. 2010 Graphite on paper 14-1/2 x 11-1/2 inches (36.8 x 29.2 cm) (sheet) Signed in pencil to lower right. Exploring Robert Lazzarini's Companion Model Drawing in the Context of Street Pop and Graffiti Art American contemporary artist Robert Lazzarini was born in 1965 and is renowned for his mind-bending sculptures that manipulate everyday items such as guns, chairs, and skulls. These pieces challenge our understanding of reality, incorporating a mix of computer-aided design and traditional sculpting methods. Lazzarini completed his studies at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, earning his BFA in 1990. His artwork has been showcased in numerous galleries and museums across the globe, with some of his most notable exhibitions being held at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Hirshhorn Museum, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Lazzarini's sculptures are famous for their ability to distort and alter our spatial perception. His creations' unconventional shapes and dimensions make the viewer question the objects themselves and the reality they occupy. Lazzarini's artwork challenges us to reconsider our assumptions and preconceptions about the world around us by presenting familiar objects in unfamiliar ways. The art world is an ever-evolving landscape, and within its broad spectrum lies the fusion genre of Street Pop Art, a style that embodies the rebellious spirit of street art with the mass appeal of pop art. It's within this creative milieu that Robert Lazzarini's "Companion Model Drawing," a graphite-on-paper creation, finds its place. This artwork, dating back to circa 2010, represents a significant contribution to the genre, offering a unique blend of street art's grit and pop art's accessible imagery. Born in 1965, Lazzarini has been a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene, known for his distortion of familiar objects and icons, effectively challenging viewers' perceptions and expectations. The "Companion Model Drawing" is a testament to his distinctive approach, as it presents the viewer with a sketch that appears to be simple at first glance but reveals complex undercurrents upon closer inspection. The piece size, 14-1/2 x 11-1/2 inches, is intimate, inviting personal engagement, and the graphite medium gives it a raw, unfinished quality that resonates with the ethos of street art. Interpreting Lazzarini's Artistic Technique and Street Pop Art Aesthetic Lazzarini's work is often characterized by a meticulous technique that belies the chaotic impression it leaves. This is evident in the "Companion Model Drawing," where the lines are deliberate and precise, yet the overall effect is disorientation and altered reality. Though rendered in graphite, this drawing carries the visual weight and immediacy often associated with graffiti artwork. The boldness of the lines and the shading techniques contribute to a three-dimensional effect, making the drawing leap off the fine art paper. While not a traditional example of graffiti art, the artwork embodies the movement's spirit through its engagement with popular culture and subversive elements. The subject of the drawing, which can be described as a deconstructed character, resonates with the iconography typical in street and pop art. Lazzarini's signature in pencil at the bottom right corner adds a personal touch to the piece, anchoring it firmly within the artist's body of work. The Cultural Relevance of Lazzarini's Work in Modern Art Discourse Street Pop Art is not merely an aesthetic; it's a cultural phenomenon that speaks to societal narratives, often acting as a visual language for urban experiences. Lazzarini's "Companion Model Drawing" engages with this dialogue through its subject matter and execution. The choice of a companion model, a figure that could be interpreted as a guide or an alter ego, reflects the personal yet universal themes that street art explores. The artwork blurs the lines between high art and the more democratically accessible street art, embodying the inclusive nature of modern art movements. Moreover, Lazzarini's drawing bridges the immediacy of street art and the enduring nature of fine art. While graffiti is ephemeral, often painted over or washed away, the permanence of graphite on paper allows this piece to become a lasting record of artistic expression. It captures a moment in time within the street pop art movement, preserving it for future generations to appreciate and study. Conclusion: The Impact of Lazzarini's Companion Model Drawing In conclusion, Robert Lazzarini's "Companion Model Drawing" is a significant piece at the intersection of Street Pop Art and Graffiti Artwork. Its execution in graphite on fine art paper transcends the temporary nature of street art, allowing it to be appreciated as a long-lasting artifact. The piece showcases Lazzarini's technical prowess and embodies the essence of street pop art—a blend of subcultural depth and pop culture iconography. As a signed original graphite pencil drawing from 2010, it carries the hallmarks of Lazzarini's style: a thought-provoking distortion of reality that challenges and engages the viewer. This artwork remains a crucial reference point for those interested in the evolution of street-inspired art within contemporary art discourse.

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