PAINTED BRONZE
77 x 43 x 43 INCHES
EDITION 2 OF 7
COURTESY OF THE NANCY A. NASHER AND DAVID J. HAEMISEGGER COLLECTION
Early in his career, KAWS freelanced for various notable animation studios including Disney, leading to the creation of his own characters as well as appropriation of iconic cartoons from popular culture and comic books. KAWS took inspiration from Mickey Mouse to create one series of a character that he named “Companion.” With gloved hands and X’s for eyes, “Companion” first appeared in KAWS’s graffiti works across New York City in the late 1990s. By the end of the decade, the street artist created his first three-dimensional version, and since, they have taken on a variety of colors, sizes, and poses. KAWS' sculptures, such as CLEAN SLATE, shows Companion carrying two tired, child-like versions of itself. Traditionally, we see such animated characters alongside their friends, embarking on different adventures and hijinks— always upbeat, pleasant, and cheerful. In this instance, we see an honest narrative — a tired adult, juggling and carrying two misbehaving or sleeping children.
“Companion” has appeared in numerous public spaces: at Yorkshire Sculpture Park alongside other wooden 'Companion' sculptures; in Hong Kong's Harbour City (2014) and Shanghai's Huangpu district (2015). In 2019, a 36.9-metre inflatable 'Companion', titled KAWS: Holiday, adorned the Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong.
