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Tension 5 - Signed Print by KAWS 2019 - MyArtBroker

Tension 5
Signed Print

KAWS

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Medium: Screenprint

Edition size: 100

Year: 2019

Size: H 89cm x W 58cm

Signed: Yes

Format: Signed Print

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Meaning & Analysis

Tension 5 is one of ten screen prints that compose the Tension collection. All the prints in this collection show unique arrangements of graphic shapes rendered in bold and bright colours. The prints in this collection are more abstract than many of KAWS’ other works and do not feature any of the cartoon characters which have become closely associated with the artist’s name. Despite this more figurative turn, the prints all capture the essence of KAWS’ distinct style which is characterised by an emphasis on colour and the use of graphic shapes.

KAWS’ style was clearly influenced by graffiti and street culture. The artist started experimenting with graffiti when he was a teenager and would spray paint buildings in New Jersey with his tag, ‘KAWS’. Interestingly, the name was not chosen because of its meaning or any deep significance, but simply because of the way the letters looked when arranged together. KAWS’ artistic origins in graffiti and street art mean he is often compared to Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, two leading 20th century artists who emerged from the New York City graffiti subculture of the 1980s. Indeed, KAWS places himself in line with these artists who believed that art is for the people rather than an art world elite.

  • 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.