KAWS is everywhere and as you can tell by my canary sweater, I’m quite happy about it. Now on view are a pair of solo exhibitions in New York: One at Galerie Perrotin and the other here at Mary Boone Gallery where he is presenting an exhibition of monumental sculpture and new paintings. Two sculptures of his signature Companion figure, each over eighteen feet high, are a stunning presence in this soaring skylit space. His paintings are equally enamoring with their bold colors and dynamic shapes. These works seem to oscillate between figuration and abstraction, suggesting the characteristic X’d eyes and crossbone ears of his sculptures. Touching everywhere from this powerhouse Chelsea Gallery, to the street, to the MTV Video Music Awards, KAWS ability to reach a vast audience is utterly unique and transformative. Compelled to don my own pop art iconography, I chose this superhero yellow sweater and comic print skirt both by J.W. Anderson. The designer who is both streetwise and futuristic in his sensibility seemed like a natural counterpart to this pioneering creator. A reminder that in order to create an emotional connection you must have the ability to get lost in the idea.
J.W. Anderson sweater & leather skirt, Wolford tights, Chanel boots
Mary Boone Gallery, KAWS
Hair by Brandon Shin at Brush NYC, Photographs by Tylor Hou