Plain English
This is the figure known as Companion.
The artist KAWS latest work is the 42 meter tall hot-air balloon in the shape of the Companion. In advance of an upcoming world tour it flew in Bristol, England.
The Companion taking off on the 16. May 2021.
KAWS created the figure called Companion in 1999. Japanese toy company Bounty Hunter asked him to create toys for them. He created the Companion and has since been using it in his artwork.
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KAWS (left) standing in front of a resting Companion in Japan in 2019.
KAWS Isn't His Real Name
His real name is Brian Donnelly. He chose the name KAWS because he liked the way these letters looked together.
The Companion figure hot air balloon is the first one to fly.
The artist KAWS
From an early age, KAWS was a graffiti artist. He marked buildings with his name. Then he started adding cartoons to advertisements at bus shelters. KAWS liked creating his art on the streets instead of art galleries. He felt that he could reach many more people this way.
He has since worked as a background painter on animated series such as Disney’s 101 Dalmations and cult shows Daria and Doug.
KAWS Became a Star in the Art World
KAWS 2021 exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City.
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A KAWS Painting Sold for 14.7 Million US Dollars
The painting "The KAWS Album" sold for 14.7 million US Dollars.
KAWS style is compared to famous artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons. In April 2019 a painting by KAWS sold for 14.7 million US Dollars.
Limited edition collectable toys by KAWS.
KAWS also produces collectables:
lamp shades
toys
hoodies with the Companion printed on it
other stuff like tea pots
They regularly sell out immediately. The toy figures can cost about 250 US dollars. A hoodie costs about 100 US dollars.
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The Companion Has Been Exhibited All Over the World
A Companion waiting to be launched in Hong Kong's harbor.
The Companion created to float in Hong Kong's harbor.
KAWS testing the 40 meter long inflatable Companion in Tokyo, Japan.
The Companion resting on a camping ground in Japan.
The Companion on its latest adventure flying over England.
KAWS new art exhibition is in the Mori Arts Center Gallery in Tokyo, Japan. The exhibition showcases 150 artworks by KAWS.
Follow the exhibition on Instagram: @kaws_tokyo_first
Follow KAWS on Instagram: @kaws
Photo The KAWS Album: Sothebys
*Quotes are edited to Plain English.*