Kaws - Companionship in the Age of Loneliness, NGV

When I saw the Youtube footages of people in Uniqlo China bashing each other over a Kaws t-shirt, I knew I had to go to the exhibition in National Gallery of Victoria to see what the big deal is. 

So, Kaws is artist Brian Donnelly's tag. His early works are in street graffiti, then graffiti on advertisement posters. His friend actually gave him a key to billboard cupboards at bus shelters so he can remove the posters, work on it at his leisure and reinstall when complete. 

These days, companies would be rushing to pay him to 'vandalise' their advertising. Perhaps it may even sell more products because of his trademark xx eyes, skull and crossbones. The 'enhancement' of Simpsons family below was sold for USD $14.7m recently. 

His trademark crosses for eyes and what looks like fluffy hair at the side of the head is actually an abbreviated skull and bones. He is known to 'innovate' on existing well known characters e.g. Mickey, Bugs Bunny with his skull and cross bones.

Later, he expanded to making toys. His first one was named Companion, which is the figure with a smooth finish in the picture below, and later BFF, the figure the Companion is carrying. As you can see, he also does sculptures.

Nowadays, everyone can get a piece of Kaws because he has done collaborations on toys, apparel including shoes, paintings, plates. That is if they are in stock. At the NGV, the Companion toys sold out the first day they were open for the exhibition. First day! More are coming, but we just don't know when yet. Or maybe the staff knows but they're keeping the date hush hush so they can get their hands on it first?

Back to the exhibition, I enjoyed it very much. There is a generous number of displays of different genres shown e.g. paintings, photos, sculptures, toys, etc so it kept things interesting. It is also a tribute to Kaws who have done so many different type of work. I think my favourites are the paintings, they are so intricate.

But I don't think I will be rushing to get a merchandise. The skull and cross bones thing just doesn't resonate with me. To each their own, of course. Resale of Kaws merchandise are rife on the internet. Some of the Uniqlo x Kaws t-shirts are selling at 1000% the original price.

Kaws - Companionship in the Age of Loneliness exhibition is at the NGV until 13 Apr 20. Tickets are $20 per person. There is no need to pre-book as the line is minimal.