Even on a monumental scale, people connect with COMPANION’s humanlike form. Originating as a toy in 1999, the COMPANION character expanded in size and was transformed into new materials like bronze and fiberglass starting in 2008 and wood in 2013. As a result of that show, in 2012 the Director’s Council voted to acquire the paintingĪlso in 2012, KAWS’s COMPANION (PASSING THROUGH), 2010, was installed at the main entrance to the museum. This acquisition continues a relationship with KAWS that began in 2011 with a small-scale solo exhibition, part of the Modern’s FOCUS series.

With his massive international presence, KAWS is now one of the most influential artists of his generation. KAWS has a global audience of all ages that continues to grow as his recognizable imagery has made its way into the commercial world, in the form of toys and apparel, among other examples.

His witty motifs reflect both irreverence and affection for our times. He has created a cast of recurring figures that candidly communicate fundamental aspects of human nature, executed with a clean, graphic, energetic style reminiscent of Pop art. KAWS’s career began with graffiti in the 1990s he quickly moved to making paintings, sculpture, and drawings informed by art history and inspired by cartoons. Featuring KAWS’s iconic COMPANION characters, the bronze sculpture stands 21 feet tall and overlooks the museum pond. In CLEAN SLATE, 2018, the central figure strides forward, embracing smaller, childlike figures in each arm, a gesture recognizable to anyone who has found themselves in the company of two tired toddlers. The work will be on view to the public beginning December 9, 2018. Director Marla Price is pleased to announce the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth’s acquisition of a monumental bronze sculpture by KAWS.

Kaws clean slate