KAWSing a stir: Figurines fly off the shelves as values soar

Popular “Gone” figures being sold as part of an NGV exhibition by ex-street artist KAWS have become hot property, with some shoppers lining up from 6am for a chance to buy the pieces.

Melbourne art fans are cashing in on rare merchandise sold out at the NGV, with some statues being sold for five times their original value.

Popular “Gone” figures being sold as part of an exhibition by ex-street artist KAWS have become hot property, with some shoppers lining up from 6am for a chance to buy the in-demand pieces.

Some mannequins, which retailed for $950, can now be found selling on Facebook group Underground Society and eBay for up to $5000.

KAWS merchandise is being sold on ebay.

Fan Lucas Zhang said he lined up on Sunday to buy the limited edition mannequin.

“I woke up at four in the morning and waited for more than five hours to get in,” Mr Zhang said. “I’m absolutely happy I have one now though.”

NGV spokeswoman Eli Wallis said the ex-street artist’s merchandise and exhibition had attracted people in droves because of its relatability for all demographics.

“KAWS’s figures resonate across cultures and age groups because they speak to shared experiences and act as characters onto which we can project the most human of emotions,” Mrs Wallis said.

“His products and toys have grown to an immense level of global popularity.”

People are lining up for KAWS merchandise at the NGV. Picture: Jason Edwards

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KAWS, an American artist whose real name is Brian Donnelly, has a cult following of university students and art connoisseurs alike.

His success is driven by his merging of recognisable television, fashion and music icons.

Featured in KAWS’s designs are The Beatles, Snoopy, Mickey Mouse and The Simpsons.

A pop-up NGV design store at Chadstone shopping centre is also stocking a curated selection of KAWS releases.

“The NGV design store has been extremely popular, with some of the KAWS merchandise selling out in the first few days,” Chadstone director Fiona Mackenzie said.

“Stock is still available at Chadstone but we do encourage customers to get in quickly.”

Ms Mackenzie said Chadstone was also offering free family-friendly entertainment around the KAWS exhibition until October 6.

“We’re excited to bring the KAWS exhibition to Australia, alongside the NGV, and help engage a new audience through our September school holiday program and the first-ever NGV design store activation at The Fashion Capital,” she said.

There is no confirmation of whether any merchandise will be restocked at the KAWS: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness exhibition, which is on at the NGV International until April 13, 2020.

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