Name: Ups And Downs 2
Brand: KAWS
Rating: 4.9 (183 reviews)

Meaning & Analysis

This signed screen print in colours on Saunders Waterford High White paper was made by the internationally acclaimed American artist and designer, KAWS. Coming in an edition size of 100, the print shows two bulging cartoon eyes with KAWS’ signature crosses across the pupils. A set of teeth are also visible, however the close-up angle makes it difficult for the viewer to discern exactly what they are looking at.

Read more about KAWS Prints & Editions

Ups And Downs 2 is signed screen print in colours on Saunders Waterford High White paper made by the internationally acclaimed American artist and designer, KAWS. The print shows two bulging cartoon eyes with KAWS’ signature crosses across the pupils. Below the eyes, KAWS adds various geometric shapes, which could be cut-off parts of a cartoon character’s face or body. A set of teeth are visible, however the close-up angle makes it difficult for the viewer to discern exactly what they are looking at. The eyes are rendered in purple and burgundy, and each eye has a bold, red pupil. The crosses KAWS adds to the eyes are light blue, contrasting with the warm red pupil.

The bold reds, along with the crosses bring a sinister feel to the print. KAWS often incorporates crosses into his artworks and crossed out eyes have become a trademark element of KAWS’ artworks.

The print is part of the Ups and Downs collection which is composed of ten silkscreen prints, all of which depict close-up sections of a cartoon character’s face or body. The title of the collection can be interpreted as a reference to a person’s mental state and the emotions they feel. The overall impression of the collection, however, is more down than up, as the demonic smiles, shocked eyes and use of reds and purples carry sombre undertones.