KAWS

for a long time the American artist Brian Donnely, better known as KAWS, was an insider tip of the street art scene. He skillfully moves on the verge between fine art and commerce by evoking associations of consumer goods, global brands and famous icons of pop culture in his works. He first gained notoriety with his overpaintings of public advertisements - a technique called subvertising. Meanwhile, his colorful works have migrated from the streets to museums and galleries around the world and fetch top prices at auctions.
The idea for his 'Compagnion' character, came to KAWS when he was working as an animator for Disney in 1997. In the meantime, the series includes expressive variations, whose rounded shapes continue the effect of Mickey Mouse.
The larger-than-life sculpture ALONG THE WAY depicts two of these Compagnion figures with their signature bugged-out eyes. The pair keep their heads lowered and offer each other comfort.
While the motif may be reminiscent of children's toys, it develops a deeper, almost adult dimension through its posture. The monumental sculpture was recently sold by the gallery and is now in an important German collection.