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Zhong Cheng 2024 Autumn Auction「Modern And Contemporary Art」

  • Zhong Cheng 2023 Autumn Auction「Modern And Contemporary Art」
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    KAWS(BRIAN DONNELLY) (b.1974)

    Pinocchio

    2017

    Wood, edition of 100
    21.9 x 19.1 x 39.1 cm

    Signed on the bottom: Kaws in English and edition number Trademark © Disney MEDICOM TOY 2017 JAPAN カリモク

    Estimate TWD 2,200,000-2,600,000
    USD 69,100-81,600
    HKD 0-0

    Hammer Price TWD 0
    USD 0
    HKD 0

With a certificate of authenticity

Provenance：

Illustrated：

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Exposition：

American artist Brian Donnelly, better known as KAWS, was born in 1974 in New Jersey, United States. His lifelong passion for cartoons and comics, combined with a deep immersion in street culture during his formative years, laid the foundation for a remarkable artistic journey. In the early 1990s, he began crafting his unique brand of street art, setting himself apart from other artists in the field. Unlike those who directly adorned walls with graffiti, KAWS had a distinctive approach. He would selectively procure posters from established brands, bring them home, infuse them with his artistic vision, and then return them to the urban landscape, thereby birthing a form of "reappropriation" that soon earned him recognition and burgeoning fame.

For KAWS, his choice of artistic materials stems solely from a genuine affinity for them, without the need to scrutinize underlying motives or reasons. Much like his alias "KAWS," which carries no specific connotation but rather captivates through the aesthetic harmony of its four letters, he remains unwaveringly true to himself. Undoubtedly, he has emerged as one of the most influential contemporary artists of our time, spanning a vast creative spectrum that encompasses contemporary art, product design, oil painting, murals, large-scale sculptures, and figurines, showcasing his boundless versatility and artistic prowess.

Central to street art is the spirit of subversion and parody, challenging traditional institutions. However, KAWS aspired to break into the mainstream consciousness. He harnessed the universally resonant power of "XX" eyes and a skull-inspired motif, tapping into the collective subconscious. Through his reinterpretations of beloved cartoons, iconic mascots, and famous characters, coupled with high-profile collaborations with global brands, KAWS defied conventional hierarchies in the art world. He reshaped and abstracted elements of popular culture, crafting a distinct and universally comprehensible visual language.

One of KAWS's most iconic series involves his imaginative reimagining of figurines inspired by well-known cartoon characters. He adorned them with his signature "XX" eyes, transformed their heads into skull-like forms, and added oversized bone-like ears. Characters such as Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy and Disney's Mickey Mouse received the KAWS treatment. This artistic approach allowed him to capture the essence of street culture while fostering a sense of shared spirit and belonging. It also gave rise to the iconic "XX" symbol, challenging societal norms and physical conventions, all the while maintaining an endearing and thought-provoking allure.

KAWS's artistic style seamlessly fuses elements of popular culture, cartoons, graffiti, and modern art. His works are imbued with humor and whimsy, inviting viewers to contemplate contemporary society and culture. Through his spirit of reappropriation, he skillfully amalgamates and harmonizes diverse elements, crafting artworks that possess both an adorable, unique exterior and profound symbolic depth.

One remarkable collaboration saw KAWS team up with Disney to create a special wooden edition of the Pinocchio figurine, paying homage to Disney's timeless classic Pinocchio. This collaborative project, undertaken with Medicom Toy and the illustrious Japanese furniture company Karimoku, boasting over seven decades of heritage, showcased KAWS's mastery. The figurine, meticulously crafted from assembled raw wood, featured hands that could conceal the eyes and open to reveal KAWS's iconic "XX" eyes. A limited global release of only 100 of these Pinocchio figurines was facilitated through a lottery system on KAWSONE.

In summary, KAWS continually astounds with his innovative modes of expression. His works, characterized by their extraordinary charm and far-reaching influence, have garnered immense attention from collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. They are not only prized investments but also regularly command astonishing prices at auctions.

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