“Where The End Begins” is a solo exhibition featuring the work of artist KAWS (Brian Donnelly) that was held at the Brooklyn Museum in New York from October 2016 to February 2017. The exhibition showcased over 100 works, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and toys, that spanned KAWS’ career from the 1990s to the present day. The title “Where The End Begins” refers to KAWS’ creative process and the idea that every artwork is a new starting point.
Introduction to KAWS and his art
KAWS is a renowned artist who has made a name for himself in the art world with his unique style and thought-provoking pieces. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, KAWS began his career as a graffiti artist in the 1990s before transitioning to creating his own artwork.
KAWS’ distinctive style is characterized by his use of popular culture icons, such as Mickey Mouse and SpongeBob SquarePants, which he reimagines through his own lens. His art is often playful and colorful, but also explores themes of consumerism, identity, and isolation.
One of KAWS’ most famous works is “Where The End Begins,” which was the title of his 2016 solo exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum. The exhibition featured a range of KAWS’ work, including paintings, sculptures, and installations.
“Where The End Begins” showcased KAWS’ evolution as an artist and the various mediums he works with. The exhibition also explored the themes that are prevalent in his work, such as the relationship between man and machine, and the impact of technology on society.
Overall, KAWS’ art has captured the attention of art enthusiasts around the world and continues to push boundaries in the contemporary art scene.
Overview of “Where The End Begins” exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum
The “Where The End Begins” exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum is a comprehensive showcase of the work of contemporary artist KAWS. kaws figure The exhibition features over 100 pieces of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and toys, and is a must-see for fans of the artist and contemporary art enthusiasts.
The exhibition is divided into several sections, each exploring different aspects of KAWS’ work. One section focuses on his early street art and graffiti work, while another highlights his collaborations with fashion brands and musicians. The exhibition also features a section dedicated to his iconic “Companion” character, which has become synonymous with KAWS’ work.
One of the standout pieces in the exhibition is a 16-foot-tall sculpture of “Companion” that greets visitors as they enter the gallery. Other notable works include a series of large-scale paintings that explore themes of isolation and alienation, as well as a collection of limited edition toys and merchandise.
Overall, the “Where The End Begins” exhibition offers a fascinating look into the world of KAWS and his unique artistic vision. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to his work, this exhibition is not to be missed.
Background information on KAWS’ career and artistic influences
KAWS, whose real name is Brian Donnelly, is an American artist who was born in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1974. He started his career as a graffiti artist in the 1990s, using the tag name KAWS. His early work included altering advertisements in bus shelters and phone booths, which gained him a following in the street art scene.
In the late 1990s, KAWS began creating vinyl toys that were inspired by popular characters such as Mickey Mouse and The Simpsons. These toys were highly sought after by collectors and helped to establish KAWS as a major figure in the art world.
KAWS’ art is heavily influenced by pop culture and his childhood memories. He often incorporates characters from cartoons and comics into his work, giving them a new twist by altering their features or adding his own signature “XX” eyes.
In addition to his vinyl toys and street art, KAWS has also created large-scale sculptures, paintings, and installations. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
KAWS’ unique style and use of popular culture have made him one of the most recognizable and influential artists of his generation. His work continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
Discussion of KAWS’ signature style and use of pop culture references
KAWS is known for his unique signature style that blends elements of pop culture with his own artistic vision. His iconic use of “X” eyes and skull motifs have become synonymous with his work and are instantly recognizable to fans of his art.
KAWS’ use of pop culture references in his work is also a defining characteristic of his style. He often incorporates recognizable characters from popular media, such as Mickey Mouse and The Simpsons, into his art. By doing so, KAWS is able to tap into a collective cultural consciousness and evoke a sense of nostalgia in his viewers.
However, KAWS’ use of pop culture references is not just for aesthetic appeal. He also uses these references to comment on societal issues and critique consumer culture. By subverting these familiar images and icons, KAWS challenges viewers to question their relationship with consumerism and the impact it has on our society.
Overall, KAWS’ signature style and use of pop culture references have made him one of the most influential artists of our time. His ability to blend high and low culture, and to challenge our perceptions of consumerism, has solidified his place in the art world and beyond.
Analysis of key pieces in the exhibition, including sculptures and paintings
The “Where The End Begins” exhibition by KAWS features a variety of key pieces, including sculptures and paintings that are worth analyzing. One of the most notable sculptures is “CLEAN SLATE,” which depicts a giant wooden Pinocchio figure with his nose cut off. This piece is a commentary on the idea of authenticity and how we present ourselves to the world.
Another striking sculpture is “GONE,” which features a life-sized figure lying on a couch with his face covered by a blanket. This piece speaks to the idea of hiding one’s true emotions and the struggle to reveal oneself to others.
In terms of paintings, “TOGETHER” is a standout piece that features KAWS’ signature cartoon-like figures in a bright and colorful composition. The painting is a commentary on the importance of togetherness and community, and how we can come together to make a difference.
Overall, the key pieces in the “Where The End Begins” exhibition showcase KAWS’ ability to use his art to comment on important societal issues and encourage viewers to think critically about their own lives and experiences.