Jesse James
Fresh off taking his giant ‘Companions’ on a world tour, KAWS returns. This time around he’s taking his talents to the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne for a new exhibition. Dubbed “COMPANIONSHIP IN THE AGE OF LONELINESS,” the exhibition is slated to open on September 20th. Before it does, we get a look inside. The sprawling exhibition takes a closer look at the artist’s diverse output. The collection is host to a range of paintings, murals, large-scale sculptures and more. From street and public art to designs from his fashion collaborations, this vast showcase provides a wide range of offerings.
The highlight of the show is a newly commissioned bronze sculpture of the artist’s signature Companion. The statue is his largest to date. The exhibition is divided into four distinct themes: “Public Interventions,” “Iconography,” “Order And Chaos,” and “Companionship.” Highlights include his early bus stop ads, acrylic on canvas pieces, and his ubiquitous skull-and-crossbones motif. There is also an extensive collection of life-sized figures including his towering ‘ACCOMPLICE’ (2010) Companion.
KAWS Returns!
NGV Melbourne released a statement regarding the exhibition. It reads: “KAWS represents someone who is very much of our time in terms of working across contexts and in hybrid and collaborative ways, and his work presents an antidote or rejoinder to the increasingly toxic nature of public discourse and social media, and division within and across societies.” The statement goes on to say, “He reminds us we need one another and that life should be lived as compassionately as possible to combat this ‘Age of Loneliness,’ in the face of fear and hatred.” Coinciding with the showcase is a dedicated presentation for kids entitled “PLAYTIME.”
This show introduces KAWS’ distinct visual language to young visitors. This includes the artist’s ‘BFF’ character is observed in a number of installations, wallpapers, and large-scale screenings. Wrapping up the presentation is the NGV Design Store Pop-Up. Here visitors will find a full retail collection including the ‘GONE’ Companion vinyl figures in pink/grey and all-black versions. The collection is slated to launch online and in-store this September 20th at 10 a.m.
Take a look inside the installatnion and find out more from NGV Melbourne’s website. “COMPANIONSHIP IN THE AGE OF LONELINESS” will be open to the public starting September 20th, 2019 until April 13th, 2020. Don’t miss out! Keep it locked here to The Culture Curators for more art coming soon.
Photos via Tom Ross/National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
