Artwork Description
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.
