KAWS

£8,500-£12,000 VALUE (EST.)

$16,000-$22,000 VALUE (EST.)

$14,500-$20,000 VALUE (EST.)

¥70,000-¥100,000 VALUE (EST.)

€9,500-€13,500 VALUE (EST.)

$80,000-$120,000 VALUE (EST.)

¥1,370,000-¥1,940,000 VALUE (EST.)

$10,500-$14,500 VALUE (EST.)

-8% AAGR

This estimate blends recent public auction records with our own private sale data and network demand.

Auction Date

Auction House

Artwork

Hammer Price

Return to Seller

Buyer Paid

December 2019

Sotheby's New York - United States

Running Chum II - Signed Print

Meaning & Analysis

Running Chum II is a signed screen print made by the renowned American artist and designer, KAWS in 2000. The print depicts KAWS’ well-known cartoon character, Chum who is captured in a close-up angle, meaning the viewer’s attention is focussed on the character’s face. Chum is rendered using thick white lines which contrast with the striking plain black backdrop.

Read more about KAWS Prints & Editions

The print is one of three screen prints that all depict the cartoon character Chum running. The prints can also be viewed alongside other works in the Chum collection, all of which depict the beloved cartoon character in different settings and scenarios. The Running Chum prints have a simple aesthetic and differ from other collections, such as Blame Game, which favour bright and bold colours. The Running Chum prints capture KAWS’ interest in close-ups and the way that framing can drastically alter the way the viewer sees an image.

Chum was inspired by the Michelin Man, the Michelin tyre company mascot which was created by the French cartoonist, Marius Rossilon. The cartoon character often appears in KAWS’ artworks and is frequently depicted along with other of KAWS’ cartoon creations, such as Bendy, Accomplice and Companion. All these characters can be identified by their crossed out eyes and skull and crossbone heads.