KAWS Takes His Companions Into The AR World
12 Mar 2020, 12:00
You’ve seen KAWS take his massive floating Companions around the world. Now, the world-renowned artist is applying the augmented reality treatment to his iconic figurines. Teaming up with AR and VR specialists Acute Art, KAWS Companions will be hitting 12 major cities with large-scale AR sculptures. Unfortunately, our whole continent was left out - but maybe one day. The cities lucky enough to be included are Qatar, Hong Kong, Melbourne London, New York, Tokyo, Brooklyn, Paris, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Taipei and China. It is set to run from March 12 (today) until March 26.
But KAWS is actually selling his virtual KAWS Companions for you to exclusively keep too. And it isn't cheap. For the editions, the first instalment is comprised of 25 AR sculptures (1.8m) that will be available to acquire exclusively though the Acute Art website for R165 000 ($10,000) each. Crazy. Users will be able to place, capture and document the ubiquitous KAWS subject at varying locations using the app. They can also make their documentation private or public with the option to resell the edition too.
The second rollout is an open edition consisting of AR sculptures in three unique colourways that will release in various timeframes. Users will only be able to keep the works for 24 hours or 10 days and share their experience on social media. Prices start at R115 ($7) for one sculpture for 24 hours.
“When I realised the quality that could be achieved and experienced in AR, I was immediately drawn to its potential. I have been creating objects and exhibiting works in public spaces throughout my career, and this allows me to expand on that in a whole new arena. The possibilities of locations and scale are endless, and I’m excited to start a new dialogue in this medium.”