Philly welcomes famous KAWS sculpture
From Hong Kong to New York City and beyond–the famous contemporary artist's large-scale sculpture finds a new home in Philly, this April.
Philadelphia's 30th Street Station will soon be a provisional home to contemporary artist KAWS' popular 16-feet-tall traveling sculpture COMPANION (PASSING THROUGH).
The piece was first shown in 2010 in Hong Kong and has made its way to NYC, Atlanta and many other cities. KAWS is best known for his unique take on pop culture and iconic images, with his signature inflated skull and crossbones characters. His style has attracted names like Hennessy, Kanye West, and Livestrong for major national campaigns and products.
The larger-than-life sculpture is a preview of PAFA's new Sculpture Plinth Exhibition Program, which will open in October of 2013. The fall exhibit will include a new, commissioned work from KAWS, as well as a rotating series of other attention-grabbing sculptures on the façade above the front door of PAFA's Historic Landmark Building on North Broad St. The KAWS installation is the first of a series of yearlong installations on the plinth; details on other artists will be announced in the near future.
Additionally, PAFA will be showcasing a number of KAWS' large-scale sculptures in the galleries of the Historic Landmark Building, from October to December 2013. The contrast between KAWS' contemporary works, and the institution's collection of 19th century American pieces, is meant to spark a dialogue on the past and present of art.
From April 11 - May 14, you can marvel at the Brooklyn-based artist's 16-foot COMPANION sculpture at 30th St. before it moves to another destination. KAWS' work will continue to be on display starting in October of 2013 at PAFA.