Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/734535
Basquiat and Andy Warhol. Its popularity prompted a re-release of the collection earlier this summer. When I was walking through SoHo in June, I spied at least two-dozen passersby wearing KAWS Uniqlo shirts. Currently, KAWS is doing an incredibly intriguing collection for the coveted handbags created by Nancy Gonzalez. With KAWS's iconic double "X's" emblazoned on the luxurious, exotic- skin bags that Gonzalez is known for, this seems to be a true dialogue or commentary on the notion of so-called street style. With the opening of the exhibition, "KAWS Where the End Starts," set for October 20, I spent some time chatting up Andrea Karnes about all things KAWS. Is KAWS a fine artist? KAWS is a fine artist. More specifically, he is a successful crossover artist, between graffiti (which he hasn't practiced since the late '90s), design, and fine art. It is a rare position to hold in the art world, but it's not without art-historical precedence. Andy Warhol is the best-known example. Warhol started his career as an illustrator, then began to show his works in galleries and museums, eventually selling on all levels of the market — as KAWS does today. Keith Haring is another good example of a successful artist, between high and low art — or, like KAWS, graffiti, fine art, and merchandise. But what makes it fine art? Conceptually, KAWS' work is similar from graff to design to painting and sculpture, but the materials and scale change as he enters the realm of fine art. A vinyl toy of 20 inches becomes a bronze sculpture that soars 20 feet high. An ephemeral image of Chum, one of his recurring figural motifs that began in his graff days, becomes an acrylic on canvas. His work is sought within the institutions and in the art market — this does not happen with works that are not considered fine art. Any installations to look forward to? There are surprises. If I told you, I'd have to kill you. If you could have a soundtrack playing in the galleries, what would it be? Pop music. Some of his biggest collectors are pop stars. Pharrell, Kanye West, Alicia Keys. What is his studio like? I can only imagine it's badass. I'm envisioning a half-pipe for skaters and turntables galore. The studio has a very serious vibe. It's gorgeous, clean, and organized. It houses some of KAWS' personal art collection. We've gotten so much work done there. We are always in work mode. Any fun memories with the artist? KAWS is a warm person. He has a fantastically funny sense of humor. We laugh a lot. One time, as I was walking out, the founder of Uniqlo and one of their designers was walking in. It was right after KAWS' clothing capsule for Uniqlo, which launched and sold out within a day or so. Certainly it was thrilling to see them. "KAWS Where the End Starts," October 20, 2016 through January 22, 2017, at The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, themodern.org. Clockwise from top left: KAWS at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. KAWS' New Morning, 2012, acrylic on canvas over panel. KAWS and Kiehl's limited-edition collection, 2009 Below: KAWS' Darth Vader - Original Fake, 2007, vinyl, plastic and cloth JONTY WILDE 38