Ups And Downs 1
Ups And Downs 1
Signed Print
KAWS
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89 x 58cm, Edition of 100, Screenprint
Medium: Screenprint
Edition size: 100
Year: 2013
Size: H 89cm x W 58cm
Signed: Yes
Format: Signed Print
Last Auction: October 2024
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Meaning & Analysis
This signed screen print in colours on Saunders Waterford High White paper was made by the renowned American artist and designer, KAWS. Coming in an edition size of 100, the print depicts a close-up of a cartoon character. Rendered in bright and bold colours, this print encourages the viewer to imagine what lies beyond the composition.
Ups And Downs 1 is a signed screen print in colours on Saunders Waterford High White paper made by the renowned American artist and designer, KAWS. The print depicts a close-up of a cartoon character. Rendered in bright and bold colours, this print encourages the viewer to imagine what lies beyond the composition. Two bulging eyes can be seen in the centre of the composition, one pale green, and one beige. KAWS crosses out the yellow pupils of the eyes with large blue crosses. Crossed out eyes are a trademark feature of KAWS’ visual language and have become a signature element of his artworks.
The print is one of 10 silkscreen prints that compose the Ups and Downs collection. This collection was produced to mark the opening of KAWS’ solo exhibition, Ups And Downs, at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas. By 2013, when this print was made, KAWS had become an internationally acclaimed artist whose work was highly sought after in the art world. KAWS’ prints were being sold for 6 figures and he had put on five museum shows within the space of only three years.
This print captures the essence of KAWS’ distinct artistic style, characterised by an emphasis on colour, bold gestural lines and a set of distinct graphic shapes. KAWS’ style was influenced by the graffiti and street art he was exposed to while living in New York in the 1990s. KAWS’ experience studying Illustration at the New York School of Visual Arts, as well as his time working as a freelance animator for Jumbo Pictures also clearly marks his visual style.
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.
