« Where The End Starts » is a retrospective exhibition of the work of the contemporary artist KAWS, which was held at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth in 2016-2017. The exhibition featured over 100 pieces of KAWS’ work, including sculptures, paintings, drawings, and toys. KAWS, whose real name is Brian Donnelly, is known for his pop art-inspired creations that often feature his signature « X » eyes and skull and crossbones motif. The exhibition explored themes of consumerism, popular culture, and the blurred lines between high art and commercial design in KAWS’ work.

Introduction to KAWS and his artwork

KAWS is a contemporary artist who has gained immense popularity in recent years. His real name is Brian Donnelly, and he was born in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1974. KAWS started his career as a graffiti artist in the 1990s, but he has since expanded his repertoire to include sculpture, painting, and graphic design.

One of KAWS’ most iconic creations is his « Companion » character, which is a cartoonish figure with X’s for eyes. The character has become a symbol of modern art and is instantly recognizable to many people. KAWS has also collaborated with many well-known brands, such as Nike, Uniqlo, and Supreme, to create limited-edition merchandise featuring his artwork.

KAWS’ artwork often incorporates pop culture references and explores themes of consumerism, advertising, and the human condition. His work is playful and colorful, but also has a deeper meaning that invites viewers to think critically about the world around them.

The « Where The End Starts » exhibition, which was held at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth in 2016, was a retrospective of KAWS’ work over the past decade. It featured over 100 pieces, including sculptures, paintings, and sketches, and provided a comprehensive look at KAWS’ artistic evolution. The exhibition was a huge success and solidified KAWS’ place as one of the most important contemporary artists of our time.

Overview https://kawsfigures.org/products/copy-of-kaws-companion-together-vinyl-figure-brown-27-cm of the « Where The End Starts » exhibit

The « Where The End Starts » exhibit is a modern art showcase featuring the works of KAWS, a renowned artist who has gained popularity for his unique style of blending pop culture, cartoons, and street art. The exhibit is a retrospective of KAWS’ career, spanning from his early works to his most recent pieces.

Visitors to the exhibit are treated to a diverse range of artwork, including sculptures, paintings, drawings, and installations. The exhibit showcases KAWS’ ability to transform familiar pop culture characters into thought-provoking pieces that challenge the viewer’s perception of art.

One of the main highlights of the exhibit is the « Companions » series, which features KAWS’ signature character – a cartoonish figure with X’s for eyes. These figures are displayed in various forms, including large-scale sculptures and paintings.

Another notable feature of the exhibit is the « Final Days » installation, which is a recreation of KAWS’ studio. Visitors can see the artist’s working process and gain insight into how he creates his unique pieces.

Overall, the « Where The End Starts » exhibit is a must-see for art enthusiasts and fans of KAWS’ work. It is a captivating showcase of one of the most innovative and influential artists of our time.

Analysis of KAWS’ use of pop culture references

One of the most striking aspects of KAWS’ artwork is his use of pop culture references. From his early works featuring the likes of SpongeBob SquarePants and The Simpsons to his more recent collaborations with brands like Uniqlo and Dior, KAWS has always been fascinated by the power of popular culture.

At first glance, it may seem like KAWS is simply using these references for their shock value or to appeal to a younger audience. However, a closer analysis reveals that there is much more to his use of pop culture than meets the eye.

For one thing, KAWS’ choice of pop culture references often speaks to larger cultural trends and issues. His use of iconic characters like Mickey Mouse and Snoopy, for example, can be seen as a commentary on the commercialization and commodification of childhood innocence.

Similarly, KAWS’ appropriation of logos and branding elements from companies like Nike and MTV can be read as a critique of the way in which corporations use popular culture to sell their products and shape our collective consciousness.

At the same time, KAWS’ use of pop culture references also serves to create a sense of familiarity and accessibility in his artwork. By using characters and logos that we are already familiar with, he is able to draw us into his world and engage us in a deeper conversation about the role of popular culture in our lives.

Overall, KAWS’ use of pop culture references is a powerful tool in his artistic arsenal. It allows him to both critique and celebrate the world around us, while also inviting us to participate in the conversation.

Discussion of KAWS’ use of different mediums, including sculpture and painting

KAWS is known for his ability to seamlessly transition between different mediums, including sculpture and painting. His work often features his signature characters, which are reimagined versions of popular cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse and SpongeBob SquarePants. KAWS’ use of different mediums allows him to explore different aspects of his art and express his creativity in unique ways.

One of KAWS’ most well-known mediums is sculpture. His sculptures are often large-scale and made of materials like fiberglass, wood, and bronze. They often feature his signature characters, which are distorted and reimagined in new and interesting ways. KAWS’ sculptures are known for their playful and whimsical nature, and they often evoke feelings of nostalgia and childhood memories.

In addition to sculpture, KAWS also creates paintings. His paintings often feature his signature characters, but they are rendered in a more traditional style. KAWS’ paintings are known for their bold colors and graphic style, and they often incorporate elements of pop culture and street art.

Overall, KAWS’ use of different mediums allows him to explore different aspects of his art and express his creativity in unique ways. Whether he’s creating a large-scale sculpture or a colorful painting, KAWS’ work is always playful, whimsical, and thought-provoking.