KAWS, a moniker for Brian Donnelly, has gained a place of prominence within contemporary art. He did it by creating a unique strand of works between pop culture, street art, and fine art. Among his known works is Companion (Hollow), an enigmatic character influenced the audiences across the globe. We will dive into the core of KAWS’ Companion (Hollow), revealing its essence, how it was created, and who the artist is.
Who is KAWS?
Brian Donnelly, aka KAWS, is a US artist whose contribution ranges from paintings to sculptures to graphic designs. Borin New Jersey in 1974, KAWS started his career in the 1990s characterized by his reimagining of cultural icons. Some of his work like Mickey Mouse and The Simpsons, that he rose to global acclaim. For many years he has been working with the best of the brands and artists, resulting in him being the most influential artist in contemporary art.
FUN FACT: KAWS began his career as a graffiti artist, leaving his mark on New York City streets before transitioning to galleries and museums worldwide.
His Career
KAWS’ artistic journey started with graffiti, as he was among the artists leaving their mark on the streets of New York City. As his birthday was celebrated more and more, he began to work in different media and methods. His unique style with bold lines, vivid colors, and fantastic figures attracted the interest of art lovers and collectors.
The artist KAWS started his career exposing his art in renowned galleries and museums internationally gaining both critical acclaim and commercial success. Through his work, he shatters the boundary between high-brow art and low-brow culture, urging the viewers to look towards art and consumerism.
What is Happening in Companion (Hollow)?
| Artist | KAWS |
| Date Created | 2013 |
| Medium | Sculpture |
| Genre | Contemporary Art |
| Period | 21st Century |
| Dimensions | Variable |
| Series/Versions | Various |
| Where is it housed? | Private collections, galleries, and museums worldwide |
Companion (Hollow) by KAWS with recognizable characters: a little cartoon figure with crosses for eyes and gloved hands. The element that makes Companion (Hollow) stand out is the hollowed-out look just like they are missing something inside of them. This urges the viewers to be involved in the deeper meaning of themes of isolation, alienation, and human existence.
The design of Companion (Hollow) symbolizes this absence of meaning. This is often felt by people today even though they are always connected. He creates a bare approach by exposing viewers to the emotional side of humans to make them think about their essence and belonging.
Analysis
Companions (Hollow) visually depicts the feeling of emptiness and voyeurism that derives from faceless modern life. In a world filled with technological and digitized progress, individuals discover a state of loneliness and fulfillment. The hollow inside of the figure signifies the void in every person which no material belongings or superficial contacts could fill.
On the other hand, the X’s for eyes repeated within KAWS’ works highlight the loneliness and the separation depicted by Companion (Hollow). Historically, X refers to the notion of negation or absence which is evidenced by the inability to see clearly or lack of vision. In his sculptures, the X’s act is like a symbol showing what hinders real connections and understanding between people.
Interesting Facts
Companion (Hollow) is often interpreted as a commentary on the pervasive sense of emptiness and disconnection in contemporary society.
KAWS’ Companion character has become an iconic symbol in popular culture, transcending the boundaries of traditional art forms.
Despite its hollowed-out appearance, Companion (Hollow) exudes a sense of whimsy and charm, captivating audiences of all ages.
Artwork Spotlight: “Together”
“Together” is a well-known KAWS work which is available on Singlulart. In this artwork, the two of KAWS trademark figures are holding each other in a reassuring embrace towards each other. Thus, this touching scene touches deeply on issues of love, friendship, and human connectivity, forcing the audience to reflect on the ties that knit us all together.
Are you looking for contemporary artwork from KAWS?
Singulart offers exclusive limited edition artworks by KAWS. To explore and purchase KAWS’ artwork, click on the artwork or the button below for more details!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does KAWS art cost?
Depending on the size and medium of the work, KAWS artworks have been presented at auction with estimated prices from 1 USD to 14,773,468 USD.
What does KAWS stand for in art?
When Donnelly was a teenager, he made a tag for himself that he painted on the roof of a nearby building as KAWS (based on the way the letters looked; the term has no significance).
Conclusion
Companion (Hollow) became a symbol of KAWS’ talent and unique perspective. The sculpture, with its hollowed-out form, invites the observer to look within, to uncover the layers and complexity of the human experience. As KAWS goes the extra mile to redefine contemporary art, the Companion (Hollow) will always be the ultimate symbol of how art raises questions, stimulates feelings, and supersedes the norms.
