KAWS ILLUMINATES SHANGHAI'S NORTH BUND WITH LUNAR-INSPIRED INSTALLATION

Kaws | AllRightsReserved

This innovative installation, a collaboration with Hong Kong's creative powerhouse AllRightsReserved, promises to blend art, culture, and urban landscape in a spectacular display.

Lunar Brilliance on the Huangpu

On August 29, 2024, as night fell over Shanghai, the North Bund dock along the historic Huangpu River became the canvas for KAWS' largest and most ambitious project to date. The unveiling revealed a colossal inflatable sculpture: KAWS' iconic COMPANION figure, reimagined as a serene giant cradling a luminous moon while gazing skyward. This installation marks a significant evolution in the KAWS:HOLIDAY series, debuting as the first light sculpture in the collection.

The timing of the exhibition is no coincidence. KAWS, whose real name is Brian Donnelly, explained that the work was conceived in partnership with JFJ Productions to honor the upcoming Moon Festival. "We wanted to create something that resonates with the local tradition of displaying lanterns for good fortune," KAWS shared in an exclusive interview. "It's about bringing modern art into dialogue with ancient customs."

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Collectibles and Pop-Up Experience

Art enthusiasts and collectors will have the opportunity to own a piece of this monumental event. AllRightsReserved has produced a limited edition figurine that captures the essence of the North Bund installation. Available in three color variants - brown, grey, and black - these 9.5-inch vinyl figures feature a miniature COMPANION holding a glow-in-the-dark moon orb.

The figurines will go on sale on August 28 at 8:30 PM CST, exclusively through the online DDTStore and at a specially designed pop-up shop in the Shanghai Kerry Centre. Each piece comes with a certificate of authenticity, complete with an NFC chip to ensure legitimacy in the often-counterfeited world of art collectibles.

In addition to the figurines, KAWS has designed a range of merchandise including hoodies and mugs, allowing fans to take home a piece of the exhibition experience.

A Global Journey

The KAWS:HOLIDAY tour has become a cultural phenomenon since its inception in Seoul's Seokchon Lake in 2018. From the harbors of Hong Kong to the slopes of Mt. Fuji, and even into the virtual realm of space, KAWS' COMPANION has captured imaginations worldwide. Each stop on the tour has been uniquely tailored to its location, with the Shanghai installation being particularly noteworthy for its integration of light and local festival traditions.

Impact on Urban Art and Tourism

The arrival of KAWS:HOLIDAY in Shanghai is expected to have a significant impact on the city's cultural scene and tourism. Local officials anticipate a surge in visitors to the North Bund area during the installation's run from August 29 to September 1, 2024.

"This exhibition perfectly aligns with our vision to establish the North Bund as a world-class waterfront destination," stated a representative from the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration. "KAWS' work bridges contemporary art with our rich cultural heritage, offering a unique experience for both locals and international visitors."

As the sun sets on August 29, and KAWS' illuminated COMPANION takes its place along the Huangpu River, it will not only mark another milestone in the artist's illustrious career but also shine a light on Shanghai's evolving identity as a global art capital. The KAWS:HOLIDAY Shanghai promises to be a mesmerizing fusion of art, technology, and tradition, inviting viewers to pause and contemplate the beauty of the cosmos in the heart of one of the world's most dynamic cities.

Kaws | AllRightsReserved

Kaws | AllRightsReserved

Kaws | AllRightsReserved