KAWS @ YSP

I visited the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Wakefield specifically to visit the KAWS exhibition. KAWS (Brian Donnelly) is an American artist/designer who found his fame when creating limited edition toys. As a result he has worked with a lot of successful companies in Japan and developed his style into large scale screen prints, paintings and sculptures. 

I recognised KAWS as an artist and designer from online sources but I wasn't familiar with a lot of his work so I took the opportunity to see his exhibition in one of my favourite gallery locations. 

Surprised by how big the forms are, especially being left outside day and night. The wood effect is very natural so the figures blend in with the natural environment. I asked a member of staff how long it takes to put them up and they said around two days and it is all slotted together using rods:

I was inspired to go to this exhibition because I saw some images of the figures coping with the weather. I really like how the snow and settled on the forms to create highlights and shadows. It is an example of design that works when juxtaposed with nature:

I really like YSP as an area to view art in the form of sculptures in a natural environment.

Inside the gallery was more personal because it was possible to get up close to the art:

I liked how the gallery was laid out as there was enough space to stand in the middle and see all the pieces around you. I liked being able to walk all the way around each piece to see all the details. I need to consider this if I ever get the opportunity to get involved or help make an exhibition. 

The figures reminded me of a mix between Micky Mouse (due to the shape of the head and body) and The Michelin Man. 

Acrylic on canvas:

I wasn't familiar with any of KAWS' paintings/screen prints and as you can see above they consist of vibrant blocks of colour and natural line. 

I could use this as inspiration for my Secret 7 album cover because it is expressive and vibrant due to the line and colour palette. I really liked how it worked on a large scale as it gave it presence in the room and overwhelmed the audience when they went closer. I can take these colour palettes into my work because I usually struggle to find a palette that works. 

YSP isn't just for the art, it is full of inspiring walks and landscapes:

Visiting locations and galleries like YSP when I have current briefs is very inspiring because I can relate what I see, hear and smell in that location to the work which is inspiring and good for idea generation.