Critical Review
Untitled is a silkscreen print on Polyart stock made by the renowned American artist and designer, KAWS in 2002. Coming in an edition size of 85, the print depicts a voyeuristic scene in which the viewer watches two cartoon characters engaged in sexual activity. The cartoon characters are rendered in KAWS’ characteristic graphic style, identifiable from their crossed-out eyes, Mickey Mouse style bodies and skull and crossbone heads.
In this print, KAWS subverts the notion that cartoons are made for children, as the cartoon figures are depicted in an explicit sexual position. The piece captures KAWS’ daring nature and bold style. KAWS was never afraid to experiment and push the limits of what art should be. Untitled is one of the more controversial prints that form the Companion collection, a body of works by KAWS which all feature his much-loved cartoon creation, Companion.
KAWS developed his signature style and visual language while he was living in New York in the 1990s. KAWS would take to the streets, spray painting over adverts in phone booths, metro stations and bus shelters, a practise that became known as ‘subvertising’. KAWS’ roots in street art and graffiti have led him to be compared to Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, two leading 20th century artists who emerged from the New York City graffiti subculture of the 1980s.
