KAWS exhibition at NGV showcases artist’s larger-than-life sculptures

Larger-than-life sculptures that evoke a range of emotions are on show at the NGV’s jaw-dropping new exhibition of works by contemporary artist KAWS.

What began as a toy design has grown to be a cult figure of pop culture.

The companion sculpture by artist KAWS (Brian Donnelly) features in more than 100 works including paintings at the biggest-ever exhibition of his work, KAWS: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness, at the National Gallery of Victoria.

“It’s surprising to do a show like this which is a survey of the last 25 years of my work and see that I still go back to things that began all those years ago,” Donnelly said.

“I created my first toy in 1999. I didn’t think it would be ongoing but once the world of 3D opened up, there was a whole new field of opportunities for me.”

His toy editions quickly became cult objects among collectors and since 1999, he has created more than 130 toys.

Krish, 6, gets up close and personal with a KAWS sculpture at National Gallery of Victoria. Picture: Alex Coppel.

The NGV exhibition shows the larger-than-life sculptures in a variety of scenarios that evoke a range of emotions from playfulness to sorrow, friendship and loneliness.

He works in a range of mediums — sculpture, painting and product design.

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There is a annexed room devoted to children and playful adults, KAWS: Playtime, where children can draw on iPads, have photos taken in BFF photo booths and the walls are lined with blue furry carpet to add to the vibrancy.

KAWS: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness is at NGV International until April 2020.