Kaws

Formally and conceptually, the book is conceived both as a comprehensive visual document of the artist/designers' work and an art object in itself. Lavishly illustrated with over 400 sketches, concept renderings and photographs, the catalogue features KAWS's prolific body of work in his unique graphic language, including apparel from his Japanese store OriginalFake, a parternship with Medicom Toy, as well as product design, limited-edition toys; graphic designs for publications such as I.D. Magazine and New York; collaborations with architect Masamichi Katayama and artists Hajime Sorayama, Todd James, and Mark Dean Veca; collaborations with companies including Comme des Garçons, Levis, Lucas Films, The Simpsons, Nike, Supreme, and Marc Jacobs; and Japanese companies such as A Bathing Ape, Undercover, and Visvim. This comprehensive study will also explore KAWS's art career in depth, from his early street art interventions to his recent sendups of familiar cultural icons. Originating at the crossroads of art, design, popular culture, and street savvy, KAWS's output is quite unique.

Multidisciplinary artist KAWS was first known for his work as a graffiti artist and his subversive approach to popular imagery on bus shelter and phone booth advertisements. In 2006, he opened his own shop in Tokyo, OriginalFake. Mónica Ramírez-Montagut joined The Aldrich in 2008. She was previously the Assistant Curator of Architecture and Design at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York.