KAWS: Man's Best Friend (Portfolio of Ten), 2016
KAWS' "Man's Best Friend" suite, released in 2016 by Pace Prints, represents a significant milestone in the artist's printmaking oeuvre. This series, comprising ten silkscreen prints each produced in an edition of 100, showcases Brian Donnelly's (KAWS) refined approach to form and his ongoing engagement with popular culture iconography.
The suite's title, "Man's Best Friend," refers to the fragmented depictions of Snoopy, Charles Schulz's iconic beagle from the Peanuts comic strip. Each print in the series presents a deconstructed view of this familiar character, with KAWS' signature 'X' eyes and dissected forms creating a tension between recognition and abstraction.
Stylistically, "Man's Best Friend" marks an evolution in KAWS' work. The muted color palette and emphasis on negative space demonstrate a shift from his earlier, more chromatic pieces. This aesthetic choice allows for a greater focus on line and form, highlighting the artist's skillful manipulation of familiar shapes into new, thought-provoking compositions.
The repetition of forms across the ten prints creates a cohesive visual narrative, with each piece functioning both as an individual artwork and as part of a larger whole. This approach reflects KAWS' background in street art and commercial design, where repetition and variation play key roles in creating visual impact.
KAWS' artistic lineage is evident in this series, with clear influences from pop art pioneers like Keith Haring and Andy Warhol. However, "Man's Best Friend" demonstrates KAWS' distinct artistic voice, particularly in his treatment of popular characters as malleable symbols rather than fixed icons.
The release of this suite by Pace Prints, a renowned print publisher and gallery, underscores KAWS' position in the contemporary art world. Pace Prints' involvement lends additional credibility to the series and reflects the increasing acceptance of KAWS' work in traditional fine art circles.
KAWS, Man's Best Friend, 2016
Screenprint on Saunders Waterford 425gm HP hi-white
Dimensions (per print):
35 x 23 in
88.9 x 58.4 cm
Signed and Numbered / Edition of 100
Artworks are available for sale individually. Contact an advisor for more details.
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Man's Best Friend (Plate #1), 2016
Kaws
$9,500 -
Man's Best Friend (Plate #2), 2016
Kaws
$9,500 -
Man's Best Friend (Plate #3), 2016
Kaws
$9,500 -
Man's Best Friend (Plate #4), 2016
Kaws
$9,500 -
Man's Best Friend (Plate #5), 2016
Kaws
$9,500 -
Man's Best Friend (Plate #6), 2016
Kaws
$9,500 -
Man's Best Friend (Plate #7), 2016
Kaws
$9,500 -
Man's Best Friend (Plate #8), 2016
Kaws
$9,500 -
Man's Best Friend (Plate #9), 2016
Kaws
$9,500