KAWS

Private Collection, Paris

This work is in very good condition overall. There are no apparent conditions with the work. Under UV: there is no evidence of restoration. Please note that in the print catalogue the colours of this work appear less saturated. The fist and teeth are neon colours and they should be more pink and yellow.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Born in 1974, KAWS is a Brooklyn-based artist who straddles the line between fine art and popular culture. Growing up in Jersey City, KAWS started his career as a graffiti artist and immediately gained popular recognition through his unique interventions on billboards and advertising posters.

In 1995, while studying at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, KAWS began combining his street art with commercial design.  He contributed designs for local streetwear label, Subware, founded by fellow graffiti artist, Stash. In 1996, during his first trip to Japan, through an introduction made by Stash, KAWS met a group of entrepreneurs and youth culture influencers including NIGO® - founder of the renowned BAPE brand and store. The artist consequently formed a long-lasting friendship and launched several collaborative projects with NIGO®.

KAWS is one of the rare artists who seamlessly flourish in both the commercial retail world as well as the exclusive world of high art. From limited-edition toys to sculptures, unique paintings and even men's- and womenswear, the artist has created a unique brand for himself that is distinctly marked by his iconic use of bright, saturated block colours, cartoony figures and abstract forms. The present work, NYT from 2012, is an enigmatic example of KAWS' tondo (i.e. circular) paintings. Every painting in this series is unique and showcases different characters from KAWS' world cropped in various close-ups. The fun nature of these imageries as well as their significance during a time of diminishing boundary between fine art and the world of retail make them favourites amongst the collecting community on several levels.