Tension 6
Tension 6
Signed Print
KAWS
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Medium: Screenprint
Edition size: 100
Year: 2019
Size: H 89cm x W 58cm
Signed: Yes
Format: Signed Print
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Auction Results
| Auction Date | Auction House | Location | Hammer Price | Return to Seller | Buyer Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 2022 | Wright | United States | |||
| July 2022 | Christie's New York | United States |
Meaning & Analysis
Tension 6 is a signed screen print on Saunders Waterford paper made by the ground-breaking American artist and designer, KAWS in 2019. The print shows an exciting composition of graffiti inspired shapes rendered in bold colours which capture the essence of KAWS’ distinct artistic style. A splash of red dominates the centre of the composition, obscuring a large turquoise cross which is a trademark feature of KAWS’ visual language.
The print can be seen alongside nine other prints which compose the Tension collection. In this collection, KAWS privileges a more abstract style, harking back to his street art origins. The collection differs from many of KAWS’ other collections, such as No Reply and Blame Game, which feature cartoon characters, a signature element of KAWS’ artistic practice.
KAWS’ artistic origins in graffiti and street art mean he is often compared to Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, two leading 20th century artists who emerged from the New York City graffiti subculture of the 1980s. KAWS aligns himself with a tradition of artists who believe art is for the people rather than an art world elite and his use of vibrant colours and the screen printing technique exemplify this desire to make art for the masses.
American-born artist, KAWS, is renowned for his cartoon figures, prints and 'subvertisements'. Born in 1974 to the burgeoning New York graffiti and street art scene, KAWS has successfully combined fine art and pop culture to create his own lane in the urban art world. His distinct aesthetic, characterised by playful figures and a subversive take on pop culture icons, has earned him acclaim in both the art and mainstream realms. Most notable is his Companion figure which has achieved global critical and commercial success, and has formed collaborations with the likes of Nike and Dior Homme.
