Ups And Downs 5
Ups And Downs 5
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: March 2019
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Meaning & Analysis
This signed screen print in colours on Saunders Waterford High White paper was made by the bold and daring American artist and designer, KAWS. The print depicts a cartoon character’s hand, rendered in beige. The hand appears to be covering the character’s mouth however the close-up angle makes it difficult for the viewer to discern what the image is showing.
Ups And Downs 5 is a signed screen print in colours on Saunders Waterford High White paper made by the bold and daring American artist and designer, KAWS. The print depicts a cartoon character’s hand, rendered in beige. The hand appears to be covering the character’s mouth however the close-up angle makes it difficult for the viewer to discern what the image is showing. The mouth appears to be screaming, which brings a sinister air to the print. KAWS uses bright colours in this print, which contrasts with the sombre expression and emotions being captured in the print.
As the title of the collection hints, Ups And Downs investigates different mental and emotional states, and the contrast between colour and emotion in this print captures the variable and fluctuating nature of one’s mental well-being. The collection was made in 2013 in order to mark the opening of KAWS’ exhibition of the same name at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas.
The print captures the essence of KAWS’ unique visual language, characterised by an emphasis on colour, use of bold gestural lines and incorporation of a set of distinct graphic shapes. As is seen in this collection, KAWS often appropriates cartoon and graphic imagery in his artworks, which reflects the artist’s origins as a freelance animator for Jumbo Pictures.
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.
