Kaws

“KAWS,” BRIAN DONNELLY (New Jersey, 1974) for Medicom Toy.
“KAWS Gone (Black),” 2018.
Molded and painted vinyl.
Includes its original box with the artist’s signature printed on it, the date “19,” and the title at the bottom.
Created in 2019, this work is part of an open edition produced by Medicom Toy.
Provenance: Private collection, Japan.
Measurements: 35.5 x 37.5 x 15.5 cm.

KAWS GONE (Black) is one of the most iconic sculptures from the recent body of work by Brian Donnelly, known internationally as KAWS. First unveiled in 2019, the work takes as its starting point the character Companion—the artist’s alter ego—depicted sitting and embracing a figure of BFF, another of his famous characters.

Crafted from molded vinyl and painted by Medicom Toy, the sculpture perfectly encapsulates the visual language that has made KAWS one of the most influential figures in contemporary art. The characteristic “XX”-shaped eyes, cartoonish proportions, and clean surfaces—drawn from comics, industrial design, and toy culture alike—coexist with an emotional intensity rarely seen in this type of object. Far from being a mere art toy, GONE transcends collectible design to take its rightful place in the realm of contemporary sculpture.

The American artist and designer KAWS is renowned for his distinctive body of work spanning several decades. His repertoire of characters and figurative motifs—some created by him and others reinterpretations of existing icons—has left a unique mark on the world of contemporary art. Kaws’ sculptures display an impressive diversity, ranging from tiny dimensions to imposing ten-meter-tall pieces. Crafted from materials including fiberglass, aluminum, wood, bronze, and even an ingenious inflatable steel pontoon raft, his creations are a fusion of technical innovation and artistic expression. Kaws’ work has earned a place in galleries and museums, as well as in the permanent collections of public institutions. Furthermore, it has captured the attention of passionate collectors, including music producer Swizz Beatz and renowned rapper Pharrell Williams. Numerous books have been published to illustrate and analyze his striking work. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Kaws not only creates sculptures but also explores other art forms, such as acrylic paintings on canvas and silkscreen prints. His influence extends to the commercial sphere, where he has primarily collaborated on the production of limited-edition toys, as well as the design of clothing, skateboards, and other products. Kaws’ distinctive style is characterized by a vibrant emphasis on color and line, as well as iconic graphics, such as the repeated inclusion of the “x” in hands and eyes. His work is also notable for its ingenious reappropriation of pop culture icons, such as Mickey Mouse, the Michelin Man, the Smurfs, Snoopy, and SpongeBob SquarePants.