gozgoz
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,617
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September 2007
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by gozgoz on Nov 20, 2008 11:30:45 GMT 1, Ok i thought i try to bring this board back to what i joined this board in the first place for a year ago and that was to talk to some people about art and find out their perspective on things. And not bicker over who had left the board etc etc.
I just wanted to know what people think of kaws new work.
www.nitrolicious.com/blog/2008/11/06/kaws-exhibition-gering-lopez-gallery-opening-reception/
I like kaws a lot but recently his work has left me cold. I sorta understood what he was doing with when he appropriated the bilboards, bus shelters adverts and all...
but this new direction of Spongebob Squarepants completely throws me...
The smurfs series i can just about barely appreciate. At least they look like Kaws Companion ish...
but the spongebobs... i really dont get at all. He really just copied spongebob's face and put two of his signature X X in the eyes. thats it.
it completely leaves me cold.
Lets try not to turn this into a "i hate kaws" thread... I just want to know how people interprete his work and what the hell is this whole spongebob thing about!?!?
Ok i thought i try to bring this board back to what i joined this board in the first place for a year ago and that was to talk to some people about art and find out their perspective on things. And not bicker over who had left the board etc etc. I just wanted to know what people think of kaws new work. www.nitrolicious.com/blog/2008/11/06/kaws-exhibition-gering-lopez-gallery-opening-reception/I like kaws a lot but recently his work has left me cold. I sorta understood what he was doing with when he appropriated the bilboards, bus shelters adverts and all... but this new direction of Spongebob Squarepants completely throws me... The smurfs series i can just about barely appreciate. At least they look like Kaws Companion ish... but the spongebobs... i really dont get at all. He really just copied spongebob's face and put two of his signature X X in the eyes. thats it. it completely leaves me cold. Lets try not to turn this into a "i hate kaws" thread... I just want to know how people interprete his work and what the hell is this whole spongebob thing about!?!? |
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Macdeee
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,220
Likes โข 61
July 2006
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by Macdeee on Nov 20, 2008 11:38:08 GMT 1, I agree with you gozgoz.. LOVE kaws! But the spongbob stuff is poor.
Gutted I didnt pull the trigger on that canvas that poped up on ebay a few months back.
Bring back the simple stuff.
I agree with you gozgoz.. LOVE kaws! But the spongbob stuff is poor.
Gutted I didnt pull the trigger on that canvas that poped up on ebay a few months back.
Bring back the simple stuff.
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gozgoz
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,617
Likes โข 7
September 2007
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by gozgoz on Nov 20, 2008 11:45:43 GMT 1, Was that the kate moss canvas?
on the same topic, i also have no idea how he gets away with this. How come he can get a spongebob, put X X on it and not be lynched by Nickolodean's lawyers for copyright infringement?
Was that the kate moss canvas?
on the same topic, i also have no idea how he gets away with this. How come he can get a spongebob, put X X on it and not be lynched by Nickolodean's lawyers for copyright infringement?
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by Lord Lucas Roham on Nov 20, 2008 11:48:34 GMT 1, Some hot chics at that show.
I love Kaws
That is all
Some hot chics at that show.
I love Kaws
That is all
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by ihate69 on Nov 20, 2008 11:49:09 GMT 1, personally his new work sucks
his old work is good though
kimpsons rock
spongebob and original fake are kinda like flogging a dead horse around the yard.
just goes now where and achieves nothing.
IMO
personally his new work sucks
his old work is good though
kimpsons rock
spongebob and original fake are kinda like flogging a dead horse around the yard.
just goes now where and achieves nothing.
IMO
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Tiki
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,223
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May 2008
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by Tiki on Nov 20, 2008 11:49:12 GMT 1, The smurfs stuff is ace! I would tend to agree with you though. His older work was a lot better imo. I miss the model mash up's.
The smurfs stuff is ace! I would tend to agree with you though. His older work was a lot better imo. I miss the model mash up's.
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gozgoz
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,617
Likes โข 7
September 2007
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by gozgoz on Nov 20, 2008 11:49:37 GMT 1, u like the new work too?
can you explain why?
( i feel i shld also add the disclaimer im not trying to be patroninisg but i honestly do want to know why his new work appeals to anyone)
u like the new work too?
can you explain why?
( i feel i shld also add the disclaimer im not trying to be patroninisg but i honestly do want to know why his new work appeals to anyone)
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Tiki
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,223
Likes โข 157
May 2008
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by Tiki on Nov 20, 2008 11:51:44 GMT 1, u like the new work too? can you explain why? ( i feel i shld also add the disclaimer im not trying to be patroninisg but i honestly do want to know why his new work appeals to anyone)
Who is this aimed at?
u like the new work too? can you explain why? ( i feel i shld also add the disclaimer im not trying to be patroninisg but i honestly do want to know why his new work appeals to anyone) Who is this aimed at? |
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gozgoz
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,617
Likes โข 7
September 2007
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by gozgoz on Nov 20, 2008 11:54:34 GMT 1, u like the new work too? can you explain why? ( i feel i shld also add the disclaimer im not trying to be patroninisg but i honestly do want to know why his new work appeals to anyone) Who is this aimed at?
Sorry i didnt expect so many tpeople to reply when i was posting this. Its to Lord Lucas...
Can you also explain why do you like the smurfs?
u like the new work too? can you explain why? ( i feel i shld also add the disclaimer im not trying to be patroninisg but i honestly do want to know why his new work appeals to anyone) Who is this aimed at? Sorry i didnt expect so many tpeople to reply when i was posting this. Its to Lord Lucas... Can you also explain why do you like the smurfs? |
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Macdeee
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,220
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July 2006
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by Macdeee on Nov 20, 2008 11:59:51 GMT 1, No it was a "Kaws head" canvas in blue I think. Looked sick though. I kinda like the smurfs stuff actually.
The good stuff...
No it was a "Kaws head" canvas in blue I think. Looked sick though. I kinda like the smurfs stuff actually.
The good stuff...
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Tiki
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,223
Likes โข 157
May 2008
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by Tiki on Nov 20, 2008 12:00:29 GMT 1, well (for a change) to be completely shallow. I just find it asthetically pleasing and in a nut shell thats about it. The spongebob stuff is doing nothing for me though i think its poor compared to the standards of his older works. Maybe a case of second album syndrome.
well (for a change) to be completely shallow. I just find it asthetically pleasing and in a nut shell thats about it. The spongebob stuff is doing nothing for me though i think its poor compared to the standards of his older works. Maybe a case of second album syndrome.
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gozgoz
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,617
Likes โข 7
September 2007
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by gozgoz on Nov 20, 2008 12:04:49 GMT 1, yeah i find it just that too... aesthetically pleasing... leaves me dead cold though.
he shld get back to appropriating bus shelters...
ive no idea what direction this is.
i also have no idea why a drawing of spongebob as is. can cost so much.
yeah i find it just that too... aesthetically pleasing... leaves me dead cold though.
he shld get back to appropriating bus shelters...
ive no idea what direction this is.
i also have no idea why a drawing of spongebob as is. can cost so much.
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by Lord Lucas Roham on Nov 20, 2008 13:18:16 GMT 1, His new work... hmmmmm. Not a huge fan to tell the truth. Especially the Spongebob, they leave me pretty cold.
I defo think his peak was the Kimpson's stuff. The Smurfs, Spongebob and allegedly Family Guy (in the near future) are just flogging a dead horse.
He obviously has a very well known and recognisable style so there is no need to continually create these "mashup" images with popular cartoons.
Ps, here is link to Family Guy image:
theoriginalwinger.com/2008-10-28-kaws-family-guy
His new work... hmmmmm. Not a huge fan to tell the truth. Especially the Spongebob, they leave me pretty cold. I defo think his peak was the Kimpson's stuff. The Smurfs, Spongebob and allegedly Family Guy (in the near future) are just flogging a dead horse. He obviously has a very well known and recognisable style so there is no need to continually create these "mashup" images with popular cartoons. Ps, here is link to Family Guy image: theoriginalwinger.com/2008-10-28-kaws-family-guy |
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by rosstierney on Nov 20, 2008 13:26:49 GMT 1, family guy? please, no.
family guy? please, no.
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maadbeats
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,272
Likes โข 19
September 2007
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by maadbeats on Nov 20, 2008 13:46:00 GMT 1, I am excite to check this show over the weekend. I have been collecting Kaws since 2003 and I hate the Sponge Bob shit. Maybe if I needed to fill my kids room, definitely not in a living/family room setting. Interested in seeing these pieces in the flesh though. You never know may change my mind. I did notice on one of those blogs the all black sponge bob pieces. Not bad, I could actually live with one of those. Looks just like the old Chum canvases.
I am excite to check this show over the weekend. I have been collecting Kaws since 2003 and I hate the Sponge Bob shit. Maybe if I needed to fill my kids room, definitely not in a living/family room setting. Interested in seeing these pieces in the flesh though. You never know may change my mind. I did notice on one of those blogs the all black sponge bob pieces. Not bad, I could actually live with one of those. Looks just like the old Chum canvases.
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Gurn
New Member
Posts โข 894
Likes โข 904
August 2007
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by Gurn on Nov 20, 2008 19:43:41 GMT 1, Nice to see a thread talking about art.I kinda like the Smurf stuff but only because it pleases my eye (probably the colours rather than the content)...Spongebob?I don't think so...With Blek having a crack at him as well,Is Spongebob gonna become the next Ronald McDonald or Mickey Mouse of the Street Art genre ?
Nice to see a thread talking about art.I kinda like the Smurf stuff but only because it pleases my eye (probably the colours rather than the content)...Spongebob?I don't think so...With Blek having a crack at him as well,Is Spongebob gonna become the next Ronald McDonald or Mickey Mouse of the Street Art genre ? |
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by rosstierney on Nov 20, 2008 19:47:56 GMT 1, never seen that west collab print before, nice one eze
never seen that west collab print before, nice one eze
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by covertshadowops on Nov 20, 2008 22:56:44 GMT 1, well.. lets put it this way. the miami show sold out... all spongebob. the new york show was sold out, 4-6 pieces were spongebob, and there is a line down the road waiting for any scraps that cant pay / dont want spongebob.
and i am pretty sure there will be spongebob at the LA show.
Kaws is Klass. one of brooklyn's finest. the queue was massive to get your stuff just signed by him at the opening.
the man is young... watch him blossom. i'm off to hunt more artwork down.
well.. lets put it this way. the miami show sold out... all spongebob. the new york show was sold out, 4-6 pieces were spongebob, and there is a line down the road waiting for any scraps that cant pay / dont want spongebob.
and i am pretty sure there will be spongebob at the LA show.
Kaws is Klass. one of brooklyn's finest. the queue was massive to get your stuff just signed by him at the opening.
the man is young... watch him blossom. i'm off to hunt more artwork down.
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Francis
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,571
Likes โข 137
September 2007
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by Francis on Nov 21, 2008 3:27:18 GMT 1, Just because his stuff sells out doesn't mean we should all like it. Besides, 2 buyers literally bought half of all the canvases.
Just because his stuff sells out doesn't mean we should all like it. Besides, 2 buyers literally bought half of all the canvases.
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gozgoz
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,617
Likes โข 7
September 2007
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by gozgoz on Nov 21, 2008 11:53:53 GMT 1, yeah i know they sold out.
all i wanna know is why people find them appealing? and since i havent got Pharrell nor Nigo's phone number, i decided to ask u dudes. 
i think the spongebob is really poor. Lack of any imagination at all.
I think after WARM REGARDS, he went completely downhill.
yeah i know they sold out. all i wanna know is why people find them appealing? and since i havent got Pharrell nor Nigo's phone number, i decided to ask u dudes. i think the spongebob is really poor. Lack of any imagination at all. I think after WARM REGARDS, he went completely downhill. |
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gozgoz
Junior Member
Posts โข 1,617
Likes โข 7
September 2007
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by gozgoz on Nov 21, 2008 11:55:39 GMT 1, Nice to see a thread talking about art.I kinda like the Smurf stuff but only because it pleases my eye (probably the colours rather than the content)...Spongebob?I don't think so...With Blek having a crack at him as well,Is Spongebob gonna become the next Ronald McDonald or Mickey Mouse of the Street Art genre ?
I was wondering if that blek thing was intentional...!
also, i think i only like the Smurfs because it has more of a Kaws transformation.... if it were just smurfs with two X X s on the eye pupils. i doubt i'll like it as much.. (like the spongebob!)
Nice to see a thread talking about art.I kinda like the Smurf stuff but only because it pleases my eye (probably the colours rather than the content)...Spongebob?I don't think so...With Blek having a crack at him as well,Is Spongebob gonna become the next Ronald McDonald or Mickey Mouse of the Street Art genre ? I was wondering if that blek thing was intentional...! also, i think i only like the Smurfs because it has more of a Kaws transformation.... if it were just smurfs with two X X s on the eye pupils. i doubt i'll like it as much.. (like the spongebob!) |
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by covertshadowops on Nov 22, 2008 15:42:34 GMT 1, Just because his stuff sells out doesn't mean we should all like it. Besides, 2 buyers literally bought half of all the canvases.
who were they? the 2 in question and which canvases exactly, do you know?
Just because his stuff sells out doesn't mean we should all like it. Besides, 2 buyers literally bought half of all the canvases. who were they? the 2 in question and which canvases exactly, do you know? |
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becksaboo
New Member
Posts โข 639
Likes โข 1
March 2007
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by becksaboo on Nov 22, 2008 17:22:06 GMT 1, I don't know much of his work but I quite the ones posted on that link. It's the vibrancy of the colours which really stand out and I also think it harks back to when I was a kid and we first got sky and I was obsessed with Nickolodean because at the time there was only the kids tv on bbc and itv so that opened a new world so there's that connection. The fact that spongebob looks deranged kinda sums up that time.
I don't know much of his work but I quite the ones posted on that link. It's the vibrancy of the colours which really stand out and I also think it harks back to when I was a kid and we first got sky and I was obsessed with Nickolodean because at the time there was only the kids tv on bbc and itv so that opened a new world so there's that connection. The fact that spongebob looks deranged kinda sums up that time.
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by snausages on Nov 23, 2008 2:42:35 GMT 1, Smurfs vs. SpongeBob? I kind of don't understand why you would like the Smurfs but not Spongebob. I'm not a huge fan of either actually but think the new work is pretty decent on a pop art/superflat level. But I'd prefer one of the smaller SpongeBob faces over a Smurf painting any day.
I think with Murakami and the Flatness is Good thing being so popular right now I think that's why people are liking this. I kind of like it but have a hard time being totally drawn into it.
Smurfs vs. SpongeBob? I kind of don't understand why you would like the Smurfs but not Spongebob. I'm not a huge fan of either actually but think the new work is pretty decent on a pop art/superflat level. But I'd prefer one of the smaller SpongeBob faces over a Smurf painting any day.
I think with Murakami and the Flatness is Good thing being so popular right now I think that's why people are liking this. I kind of like it but have a hard time being totally drawn into it.
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by mose on Nov 23, 2008 3:28:08 GMT 1, Initially, I thought that the colorway heads were a self-indulgent mess. Later, I began to appreciate them as a skewering of the rabid collector mindset(especially toy/print collectors). They are a multi-colored tribute to the irrational desire to collect 'em all in order to make oneself special and to be closer to the artist(in this case, to almost literally get inside his head). I find them to be a recognition by KAWS of the obsessiveness, the pathology, that has allowed him to become 'big in Japan'.
Overall, I think the other recent works - the Smurfs and Spongebobs - are by far his best stuff to date. He is using familiar, 'innocent' icons to convey the current emotional states of the adult world. This is a time of confusion, fear, anxiety, irrational behavior, etc. all poignantly displayed via the expressional faces, and KAWS' trademark crossed eyes, of childhood legends.
I think the most significant feature, the really subversive element of KAWS newest work, is that the children's icons, now manipulated, refuse to provide the escape-from-reality, the desired regression to more carefree times, the wanting rest from the burden of carrying the weight of the world, that often fuels adult consumption of children's cartoons. As the world spirals toward madness, KAWS is giving us no quarter.
Initially, I thought that the colorway heads were a self-indulgent mess. Later, I began to appreciate them as a skewering of the rabid collector mindset(especially toy/print collectors). They are a multi-colored tribute to the irrational desire to collect 'em all in order to make oneself special and to be closer to the artist(in this case, to almost literally get inside his head). I find them to be a recognition by KAWS of the obsessiveness, the pathology, that has allowed him to become 'big in Japan'.
Overall, I think the other recent works - the Smurfs and Spongebobs - are by far his best stuff to date. He is using familiar, 'innocent' icons to convey the current emotional states of the adult world. This is a time of confusion, fear, anxiety, irrational behavior, etc. all poignantly displayed via the expressional faces, and KAWS' trademark crossed eyes, of childhood legends.
I think the most significant feature, the really subversive element of KAWS newest work, is that the children's icons, now manipulated, refuse to provide the escape-from-reality, the desired regression to more carefree times, the wanting rest from the burden of carrying the weight of the world, that often fuels adult consumption of children's cartoons. As the world spirals toward madness, KAWS is giving us no quarter.
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raiden
New Member
Posts โข 512
Likes โข 3
April 2008
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Art discussion - Kaws new work, by raiden on Nov 23, 2008 3:52:55 GMT 1, Kaws I like, but I really don't get why he's as big as he is. I guess what's not to like? I like the spongebob stuff - but only because I like spongebob. I don't like it coming from Kaws. I find that he's devolving into pop cartoon whereas before he was an artists that gave us more commentary.
He's more or less a fun artist - but there are so many artists who do cartoon inspired stuff more impressively. This is a big step back for Kaws because frankly his main contribution to the art world that made him worthy of attention was his work appropriating advertising.
Now this part applies mostly to the Spongebob stuff... Not the brain image painting which I like...
Its funny, Kaws has progressively stepped backward as an artist. His best stuff was his subversive appropriations of advertising. Then he took that and regressed to mash ups. Then he went commercial. Now he's doing work that shouldn't even be recognized.
If I want paintings of spongebob, I can go to a hippie artist on Venice Beach or an artist in Union square! (though to Kaws' credit these are the second best Spongebob paintings I've seen behind another artists who used to sell them on Ebay for kids rooms)
Nothing original. Nothing progressive about this new work. Nothing that contributes to the cause of advancing art.
He's lost it. Here is an artist who forgot where he came from. He's spent too much time hanging with models and celebrities and not enough time innovating.
I don't like tearing into artists (and don't with newer artists), but when an artist "jumps the shark" this badly and frankly spits in the face of his fans with this drivel pandering, he deserves it. Kaws is reading this because he has plenty of money to afford the therapy bills if this hurt his feelings from the cash he's been collecting when he should have been honing his creativity.
He should be giving us more than 2nd rate pop iconology that was done better 40 years ago during the original pop art revolution and now is tired.
Regressing. Sad.
Kaws I like, but I really don't get why he's as big as he is. I guess what's not to like? I like the spongebob stuff - but only because I like spongebob. I don't like it coming from Kaws. I find that he's devolving into pop cartoon whereas before he was an artists that gave us more commentary.
He's more or less a fun artist - but there are so many artists who do cartoon inspired stuff more impressively. This is a big step back for Kaws because frankly his main contribution to the art world that made him worthy of attention was his work appropriating advertising.
Now this part applies mostly to the Spongebob stuff... Not the brain image painting which I like...
Its funny, Kaws has progressively stepped backward as an artist. His best stuff was his subversive appropriations of advertising. Then he took that and regressed to mash ups. Then he went commercial. Now he's doing work that shouldn't even be recognized.
If I want paintings of spongebob, I can go to a hippie artist on Venice Beach or an artist in Union square! (though to Kaws' credit these are the second best Spongebob paintings I've seen behind another artists who used to sell them on Ebay for kids rooms)
Nothing original. Nothing progressive about this new work. Nothing that contributes to the cause of advancing art.
He's lost it. Here is an artist who forgot where he came from. He's spent too much time hanging with models and celebrities and not enough time innovating.
I don't like tearing into artists (and don't with newer artists), but when an artist "jumps the shark" this badly and frankly spits in the face of his fans with this drivel pandering, he deserves it. Kaws is reading this because he has plenty of money to afford the therapy bills if this hurt his feelings from the cash he's been collecting when he should have been honing his creativity.
He should be giving us more than 2nd rate pop iconology that was done better 40 years ago during the original pop art revolution and now is tired.
Regressing. Sad.
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