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Kawsbob (red) - Signed Print by KAWS 2011 - MyArtBroker

Kawsbob (red)
Signed Print

KAWS

Price data unavailable

AAGR (5 years) This estimate blends recent public auction records with our own private sale data and network demand.

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Medium: Screenprint

Edition size: 100

Year: 2011

Size: H 51cm x W 51cm

Signed: Yes

Format: Signed Print

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The value of Kawsbob (red) by KAWS, a signed screenprint from 2011, is estimated to be worth between £7,500 and £11,500. This artwork has an auction history of four total sales since its entry to the market on 7th October 2019. There have been no sales in the last 12 months, however, the work has shown consistent value growth, with an average annual growth rate of 17%. The edition size of this piece is limited to 100.

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Auction Results

Auction DateAuction HouseLocation
Hammer Price
Return to Seller
Buyer Paid
October 2019Sotheby's New York United States
October 2019Phillips Hong Kong Hong Kong

Meaning & Analysis

This work particularly shows the influence of the father of Pop Art, Andy Warhol – who began by cropping a black and white publicity image of Marilyn Monroe which he then proceeded to drench in colour to create an icon from an icon – but while Warhol’s attitude to fame was perhaps one of reverence here we find KAWS’ use of pop culture more playful, perhaps even satirical, and perfectly at home in the ironic age of the early 21st century.

While SpongeBob’s large round eyes have been given the KAWS treatment, their pupils crossed out, his goofy smile and freckled cheeks remain instantly recognisable. This use of popular imagery speaks to KAWS’ ability to fit into the milieu of the everyman as well as the art collector. Speaking of his beginnings as a graffiti artist, which allowed him to proliferate his tag across Manhattan and New Jersey, he says, “When I was doing graffiti, my whole thought was, ‘I just want to exist.’ I want to exist with this visual language in the world… It meant nothing to me to make paintings if I wasn’t reaching people.” In this way KAWS is following in the footsteps of fellow Pop artists Warhol, Jean Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, working on the street and in editions to ensure his art reaches everyone. While his original artworks attract astronomical prices at auction his prints are still an affordable investment.

As well as creating screen prints of his work, KAWS has also collaborated with a number of streetwear brands ensuring even teens can wear one of his t shirts. He also sells his own line of Companion toys that have become his trademark collectable.

As contemporary art specialist Noah Davis has said, “No cartoon is safe from being consumed and turned into KAWS”, and in this work we see the artist’s powers of appropriation at their height, the flat art of the cartoon converted into a slick graphic screen print that will complement any collection of contemporary art. An artist at the height of his career KAWS continues to take the art world by storm with his irreverent approach to fine art, his unmistakable style winning the hearts of both kids and collectors.

  • American-born artist, KAWS, is renowned for his cartoon figures, prints and 'subvertisements'. Born in 1974 to the burgeoning New York graffiti and street art scene, KAWS has successfully combined fine art and pop culture to create his own lane in the urban art world. His distinct aesthetic, characterised by playful figures and a subversive take on pop culture icons, has earned him acclaim in both the art and mainstream realms. Most notable is his Companion figure which has achieved global critical and commercial success, and has formed collaborations with the likes of Nike and Dior Homme.