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Supermodel 1 - Signed Print by KAWS 1999 - MyArtBroker

Supermodel 1
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: 50

Year: 1999

Size: H 82cm x W 63cm

Signed: Yes

Format: Signed Print

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Track auction value trend

The value of KAWS’s Supermodel 1 (signed) is estimated to be worth between £13,500 and £20,000. This screenprint, created in 1999, has shown consistent value growth, with an average annual growth rate of 7%. This work has an auction history of four total sales since its entry to the market in May 2016. Over the past five years, the hammer price has ranged from £19,295 in November 2021 to £21,764 in September 2021. The average return to the seller over the past five years has been £17,450. The edition size of this artwork is limited to 50.

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Auction Results

Auction DateAuction HouseLocation
Hammer Price
Return to Seller
Buyer Paid
November 2021Phillips Hong Kong Hong Kong
September 2021Sotheby's New York United States
March 2018Chiswick Auctions United Kingdom
May 2016Litchfield Auctions United States

Meaning & Analysis

Supermodel 1 is a signed screen print produced by the internationally acclaimed American artist and designer, KAWS in 1999. The print depicts an image of a glamorous model, pouting and posing in a pair of oversized glasses. The image is rendered in a white and brown duotone, making it less colourful than many of KAWS’ other prints. KAWS appropriates the image of the model by adding his distinct graphic features to the woman’s face, turning her head into a skull with crossbones. The transformation means that the model’s appearance is reminiscent of KAWS’ cartoon character, Companion, who has a similar facial shape.

The print can be seen alongside the other works in KAWS’ Models collection. Each print in this collection takes an image of a model and transforms it through the use of additional graphic designs. The collection captures how KAWS has developed an impressive array of graphic motifs and cartoon characters which he frequently incorporates into his works. The skull and crossbone head which KAWS adds to the model in this print is an example of one of KAWS’ visual motifs. Others include crossed out eyes and Mickey Mouse-style gloved hands.

This print and the others in the Models collection reflect KAWS’ interest in consumerism and commercial culture. While living in New York, KAWS developed a practise known as ‘subvertising’ in which he would unlock the cases of adverts in phone booths and bus shelters, remove the campaigns, and modify the images, transforming them with his graphic designs. KAWS’ fascination with adverts and his affinity with the screen printing technique means he is often compared to Andy Warhol, the leading figure of the 1960s Pop Art movement. Warhol’s work was deeply influenced by globalisation, American consumer culture and advertising and this resonates strongly with the prints in the Models collection.

  • 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.