Everything
Since the ’90s KAWS aka Brian Donnelly has quickly become a cultural phenomenon. Whether it is his quirky fusion of street art and advertising or curious characters, there is something undeniably captivating about his art. And hand-in-hand with the works, KAWS is making a killing with cult collectables. On StockX some of his most popular vinyls resell for upwards of $2,000 so whenever new merch is released, it’s often a frenzy.
I experienced this first hand at his hotly-anticipated arrival to Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria overnight – I stood in line for 30 minutes for a chance to cop some pieces, before giving up. For the opening of ‘KAWS: Companionship In The Age Of Loneliness’, NGV in collaboration with the artist has made available a series of new, limited-edition and covetable goods.
1 – 20 64.77 cm x 93.35 cm x 4.29cm © KAWS
A limited-edition screen print portfolio based on the group of ten TENSION paintings exhibited in KAWS: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness will also be available to purchase from NGV design store. Printed at the same scale as the original paintings and rendered in KAWS signature palette of neons and rich contrasting colours, the prints capture every detail of the meticulously executed works.
As a Major Partner of KAWS: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness, Chadstone will host a special NGV design store retail pop-up for the first time in the centre. Open from September 21 to October 6, the pop-up store will feature exclusive NGV wares including a KAWS plate set, postcards, magnet sets, badges, keyrings, and tote bags. Also coinciding with the exhibition, KAWS has collaborated with UNIQLO on the Australian release of the KAWS: SUMMER campaign. This range will include printed tees and tote bags featuring KAWS’s cult illustrations for both adults and kids. The range will be available for purchase at all UNIQLO stores, online at uniqlo.com and at the NGV design store.
And for fans of the highly sought after vinyl toys, the extensive collection, including the GONE vinyl in three colourways is available now via the NGV Design Store and online. Be quick however, pieces are already selling out.
For tickets and more information, visit here.
