Companion Flayed- Black Limited Edition Vinyl Art Toy Collectible Artwork by Modern Pop Artist Kaws.

2016 Unopened Package Limited Open Edition 10.5 X 4.5 X 2.5 / 16.7 X 11.4 X 6.4 CM

The Companion Flayed: An Icon of KAWS' Street Pop Art Legacy

The Companion Flayed Black Limited Edition Vinyl Art Toy embodies the pinnacle of KAWS' influence in modern pop and street pop art. Unveiled in 2016, this piece is a profound iteration of the most recognizable figure in KAWS' artistic arsenal, the Companion. The artist has reimagined the Companion multiple times, each version laying bare a new facet of its symbolic resonance. The flayed version, particularly in its stark black form, invites viewers to peer beneath the surface, literally and metaphorically, into the layers composing this contemporary icon. Measuring 10.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches, the Companion Flayed stands as a testament to KAWS' ability to manipulate form and content to produce artworks that speak to a generation conversant in the visual language of design, pop culture, and street aesthetics. This series, including full-bodied and flayed versions of the classic character, was released in conjunction with KAWS's exhibition "Where The End Starts" in Fort Worth, Texas. Standing 11 inches tall, the figures were made available through KAWSONE, MoMA, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, marking a significant moment in the intersection of street art and institutional recognition.

Companion Flayed's Role in the Dialogue of Street Pop Art

KAWS' Companion Flayed is more than a collectible; it's a conversation piece that delves into the dialogue of what Street Pop Art and Graffiti Artwork can be. It's a manifestation of KAWS' unique ability to traverse the spectrum of visual art, from anonymous street tags to globally recognized sculptures. The flayed version, with its exposed internal vibrancy, can be seen as a deconstruction of the character itself and the culture from which it originates. The black color of the figure contrasts with the colorful internal details, creating a visual dialogue between the seen and unseen, the external persona, and the internal complexity. The release of this series through prominent art institutions and KAWS' platform, KAWSONE, reflects the evolving landscape where street-inspired art is as much at home in the museum as on the urban wall. It underscores the fluidity of KAWS' art, capable of eliciting a sense of familiarity while challenging perceptions with its dissected form. This feature has become a recurrent theme in his work.

KAWS' Impact on the Art Toy Movement and Beyond

The Companion Flayed Black Limited Edition Vinyl Art Toy is emblematic of KAWS' impact on the burgeoning art toy movement. This movement sees the toy as a canvas for artistic expression, a medium that allows the artist to explore form, concept, and accessibility in new ways. Through figures like the Companion Flayed, KAWS has been pivotal in pushing the boundaries of this movement, garnering attention not only from the realms of Street Pop Art and Graffiti Artwork but also from the wider art community and popular culture. The release of this collectible in a limited open edition signifies the democratizing vision KAWS has for art. While each piece holds the allure of exclusivity, the forthcoming edition format ensures it remains within reach for a diverse audience, aligning with the ethos of street art's accessibility. With its distinctive cross-eyed face and x-ed-out eyes, the Companion Flayed has transcended its role as mere merchandise to become an essential touchstone in contemporary art, embodying the interplay between mass culture and high art that defines KAWS' oeuvre.