KAWS in Barcelona

An Iconic Companion

In 1999, KAWS first introduced Companion, a figure inspired by Mickey Mouse but with a skull for a head, crossed-out eyes, and oversized gloved hands. The character, first produced as a limited-edition vinyl toy in collaboration with Japanese streetwear brand Bounty Hunter, sold out almost immediately.

One of KAWS’s most famous creations is COMPANION, a character inspired by Mickey Mouse, but with a twist- marked by XX-eyes and a melancholic posture. First introduced in collaboration with Japan’s Bounty Hunter, Companion quickly became a staple in KAWS exhibitions worldwide. His reinterpretations of famous figures like Snoopy, the Michelin Man and The Simpsons have further cemented his reputation as a revolutionary graffiti artist.  

At Moco Museum Barcelona, visitors can experience the phenomenon that is KAWS. The KAWS exhibition in Barcelona (part of the Moco Masters exhibition) features a curated selection including large-scale sculptures, collectible toys, and vibrant paintings. His work reflects both a nostalgic connection to childhood imagery and a critique of contemporary consumer culture, which makes KAWS one of the most influential artists of his generation.

Companion reflects KAWS’ ability to balance playful innocence with emotional depth. Today, the figure often appears in postures that suggest introspection, vulnerability, and loneliness, which can be understood as a commentary on human connection and the alienation that comes with modern life. Monumental versions of Companion have also appeared worldwide, from a 40-meter inflatable sculpture floating in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour to other variations placed in the jungles of Thailand as a call for environmental awareness.

At Moco Museum Barcelona, the towering Final Days sculpture welcomes visitors to the museum. Inspired by the Smurfs and Companion, this hatless Kurf character is carved from afrormosia, a sacred African wood believed to hold spiritual energy. Its outstretched arms and heavy stance evoke a sense of playful longing. 

Behind the XX Eyes

A defining feature of KAWS’ creations is the XX-eyes that adorn his figures. This signature illustration adds an emotional depth to his pieces, evoking feelings of hope, nostalgia, miss, sadness and longing. Whether applied to a massive sculpture or a collectible toy, the XX motif serves as a unifying symbol across his entire collection of work. 

His works including reinterpretations of historic african wood carvings speak to both personal and universal themes of identity, connection and consumerism. 

While KAWS’ work is rooted in playful imagery, it carries an undercurrent of emotional vulnerability, often symbolising the emotional weight of navigating modern life. His various Companion characters demonstrate KAWS’ ability to balance playfulness with vulnerability,  making his work universally resonant. The emotional complexity behind the cartoonish surface invites viewers to confront deeper themes of loneliness, connection, and self-reflection.

KAWS in Barcelona: Global Reach and Cultural Impact

From Brooklyn to Barcelona, KAWS’ work has captivated audiences with his artistic language. KAWS’ global influence extends from Tokyo to New York to Barcelona. His exhibitions have drawn massive crowds, and his collectible figures have become status symbols among art collectors and celebrities alike. At Moco Museum Barcelona, the KAWS exhibition in Barcelona reflects this global reach. The presence of Final Days in the museum’s courtyard underscores KAWS’ ability to transform public spaces into immersive art experiences. This must-see showcase brings together KAWS’ most famous painting and pure craftsmanship.  

KAWS has mastered the art of merging high culture with popular culture. His works, rooted in nostalgia and emotional vulnerability, speak to the universal human experience in our increasingly disconnected world. Your imagination is 

Visit Moco Museum Barcelona today and immerse yourself in the world of KAW’s modern art and contemporary creativity.  Want to see more of modern art? Make your tour in our gallery complete with one of our other exhibitions. Come and visit our exhibitions of Contemporary Art and Modern Art with famous works of artists such as Andy Warhol, Banksy, Kusama and Jean-Michel Basquiat.  

The Art Market for KAWS

KAWS’ fascination with cartoons and pop culture stems from his childhood. He often appropriates and reimagines familiar characters like Mickey Mouse, Snoopy, SpongeBob SquarePants, and the Michelin Man, figures embedded in Western pop culture consciousness. In works like Untitled (Snoopy) (2014), KAWS distorts and abstracts these characters, replacing their eyes with “X” marks to suggest emotional disconnection beneath the cheerful surface. His paintings, sculptures and prints have broken auction records, proving his work resonates deeply within both fine art and commercial spheres. His ability to manipulate and subvert pop culture extends beyond canvas and sculpture artworks. As a freelance animator turned globally recognised designer, KAWS has collaborated with brands like Uniqlo, Nike and Dior. It has brought his designs to a mass audience, blurring the boundary between high art and street fashion. His series of collectible vinyl toys, which began with Companion and has since expanded to include Chum and BFF, has created a global market for KAWS figures. It is bringing spiritual energy into the 21st century art scene. 

Creative Crossovers

KAWS has successfully merged art with fashion, toys and digital art. His collaborations with Estudio Campana, Comme des Garcons and Supreme brought his distinctive style to global audiences. These partnerships along with the interactive sculpture installations have solidified his influence beyond the traditional museum space. His ability to seamlessly transition between disciplines has earned him a place in permanent collections of must see institutions worldwide. 

KAWs’ exploration of form and material extends beyond painting and sculpture into functional design. His collaboration with Brazilian design studio Estudio Campana produced pieces like the Man’s Best Friend Sofa, constructed from plush Snoopy toys with their eyes marked by KAWS’ signature “X” motif. The sofa reflects KAWS’ playful approach to art and his desire to create works that are both aesthetically striking and accessible.

In Chair (Red) (2019) and Chair (Pink) (2018), KAWS merges soft textures with industrial elements, using stainless steel and Cumaru wood to create pieces that function both as furniture and as sculptural works of art. This fusion of design and art reflects KAWS’ belief that art should integrate into everyday life as being accessible, engaging, and reflective of the cultural zeitgeist.

The KAWS exhibition Barcelona at Moco Museum Barcelona captures this versatility, showcasing how KAWS moves fluidly between high art, design, and commercial objects. His ability to merge artistic vision with mass-market appeal is a defining feature of his creative success.