Kaws for Medicom Toy

"KAWS", BRIAN DONNELLY (New Jersey, 1974) for Medicom Toy.
Set of four "Bendy" in red, blue, yellow and green, 2003.
Painted vinyl.
Original acrylic box.
Produced by Medicom Toy.
With seal on the head.
Measurements: 33 x 7 x 3 cm (toy); 37,5 x 16 x 8,5 cm (box).

The "Bendy" character, who first appeared as part of the KAWS brand on a billboard in New York in the 1990s, was later introduced in ads for phone booths and bus stops alongside brands such as Calvin Klein and DKNY.

American artist and designer Kaws is noted for his distinctive work spanning several decades. His repertoire of figurative characters and motifs, some created by himself and others reinterpreted from existing icons, has left a unique mark on the contemporary art world. Kaws' sculptures exhibit an impressive diversity, ranging from diminutive dimensions to towering ten meters in height. Made 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 permanent collections of public institutions. It has also 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 powerful 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 into the commercial realm, where he has predominantly collaborated in the production of limited edition toys, as well as in 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 the hands and eyes. His work is also notable for the clever reappropriation of pop culture icons, such as Mickey Mouse, the Michelin Man, the Smurfs, Snoopy and SpongeBob SquarePants.