Catalogue Note:
“KAWSBOB”, a series of prints produced in 2011, was the culmination of creative inspiration for the artist at the time. It combined visual elements drawn from cartoon characters. As mentioned above, the artist’s most famous symbol is the prominent XX eyes, which can be interpreted by viewers in different ways. Of course, these marks can simply be regarded as an internationally registered trademark of the
artist and his brand. However, KAWS explains that the X symbol can be defined differently in various fields, such as mathematics, science, media, language, computers, and video games. They X symbol can be interpreted as a function or as the meaning of “extreme”. For example, if the X word is written in English, it can represent a kiss. Restricted content on a pornographic website can also be represented
with an X. X can also mean that something is removed or changed if it is crossed out. Furthermore, KAWS’s XX eyes and big gloves also represent the virtual death or lifelessness of a character who seems to have a soul. The artist hopes to inspire different emotional reactions, such as sadness, empathy, or humor, in viewers.

KAWS rearranges these planar images to depict abstract narratives for undefinable mood swings. The paintings are also filled with a level of dramatic tension and minimalism. Through the micro-reconstruction of popular cartoon characters, such as Mickey Mouse, Snoopy, and Spongebob, KAWS has created a unique artistic language containing street graffiti, pop art, and pop culture. He utilizes cartoon characters to depict the different states and images of humankind. Inspired by cartoon CDs from his earlier years, KAWS would repeatedly pause videos and capture screenshots to carefully study the sense of charm, bodies, and emotional expressions of these cartoon characters. The “KAWSBOB” series continues the vibrancy of his previous works. Blending commerce and artistry, he attempts to express emotions that resonate with viewers.