Artwork Description
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.
