Sculpture In Wood

Art Gallery of Ontario

KAWS in Galleria Italia Sculpture in Wood KAWS born Jersey City, New Jersey, United States, 1974 These sculptures are situated in Galleria Italia, a city-block-long 4 meter or 14 foot wide east/west thoroughfare in the Gallery building. There is a two storey window wall on the north side and warm brown coloured wood paneling on the south. Although they are placed without barriers the works are not intended to be touched and a recommended distance to be held of 1 meter or three feet is indicated. At a short distance from the passageway between the Signy Eaton gallery and the ramp on the western end of Galleria Italia is the first of three playful works called FINAL DAYS, the second is called ALONG THE WAY and the third, AT THIS TIME. All three larger than life size statues feature the character KAWS has dubbed COMPANION. The sculptures are solid, and glossed to a high shine with a veneer finish, giving them a silky appearance. They show wood grain and a vertical rectangle assembly much like a hardwood floor. The statue figures are smooth with slightly rotund torsos and perfectly round legs. Their short gloves have a bulge at the cuff, and their hands have three fingers and a thumb. They wear smooth rounded shoes that bulge above the ankle. The letter X motif is also carved on the backs of their gloves and tops of their shoes. With its cartoonish gloves, oversized shoes, and large-buttoned shorts, it bears an intentional resemblance to Walt Disney Studios mascot Mickey Mouse. The notable exception is the mouse head, which in the “COMPANION” character is replaced with a “soft skull” and crossbones and carved X’s for eyes. In these sculptures, KAWS’s ”Companion” figures veer toward the human in their poses and their implied pathos. The first work diagonally faces us at the left of the walkway near to the window wall. FINAL DAYS 2014 Afromosia wood Here, the character of “COMPANION” is slightly taller than average person standing height and uniquely has a small cottonball shaped tail, and does not wear gloves or shoes or have buttons on its shorts. It steps forward on its left leg with arms extended. Its arms are held wide to the side with palms vertical and fingers slightly curled reaching in joy or perhaps stretching for balance as it moves. The next sculpture stands 35 feet further east up against the south wall and faces the windows. ALONG THE WAY 2013 Afromosia wood This 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide statue is wood with a black finish. It has two “COMPANION” figures who stand side by side as one supports the other. The figure on the right is completely limp from mid back up and appears zapped of energy, strength or both; it uses it’s right arm to hold onto the supporting figure’s shoulder. The supporting figure braces the limp figure by leaning its body towards it. The supporting figure also holds it’s left hand on the small of the limp figures back in a consoling gesture. 30 feet further and centred in the walkway is the last physical statue towards the middle of Galleria Italia. It is placed nearest to the window wall and faces us. AT THIS TIME 2013 Afromosia wood The largest COMPANION character statue is a medium brown wood colour and stands nearly 8 and a half feet tall. The figure stands feet together, body slightly bent backwards with its head tilted up and back. Elbows wide, COMPANION’S gloved hands reach up and shroud its face.