The Promise

Medium: Screenprint in colors on Stonehenge grey paper
Year: 2022
Sheet: 20×16 inches (50.8 x 40.6 cm)
Edition: 500
Artist’s Proofs: 100 AP
Printer’s Proofs: 15 PP
Publisher: KAWSONE, New-York

Each signed, dated, and numbered in pencil

 

The Promise is a significant art installation by KAWS that features two Companion figures symbolically passing a globe, emphasizing themes of environmental responsibility and intergenerational care. KAWS unveiled The Promise at the Dadu, Children’s Museum of Qatar on 21 November 2022, coinciding with the FIFA World Cup festivities. The installation features a larger adult Companion figure passing a globe to a smaller child Companion, symbolizing the commitment to sustainability and the importance of caring for the planet for future generations.

 

 

KAWS. THE PROMISE, 2022. Bronze, paint, steel; approx. 6.1 x 4.3 x 2.8 m

Following the installation, KAWS released a series of vinyl figures representing available in various colors including grey, brown, and black. These figures depict the same Companion characters from the installation and are designed to resonate with collectors and art enthusiasts alike.

Furthermore, a hand-pulled screen print on high-quality Stonehenge 250gsm Steel Grey paper was released on the KAWSONE website. The initial retail price for the print was $5,000.

In The Promise, KAW’s iconic Companion character, portrayed with its characteristic blend of whimsy and introspection stands alongside a smaller rendition, possibly representing youthful innocence or the future generation. Together, they gently cradle the Earth, symbolizing shared stewardship and interdependence. Set against a backdrop of celestial blue, the Earth emerges as a fragile yet precious entity, embodying the collective destiny of humanity. Through their united gesture, both Companions convey a potent message of solidarity and a commitment to the future. The imagery resonates with themes of environmental awareness, social accountability, and the intrinsic interconnectedness of all life on Earth. In this interplay of form and symbolism, KAWS encourages reflection on our shared humanity and the imperative of nurturing a sustainable and compassionate world for generations ahead.

 

Auction Results

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Heritage Auctions: 19 November 2024
Estimated: USD 2,000 – 4,000
USD 4,000

KAWS (b. 1974)
The Promise, 2022
Screenprint on paper
Signed, numbered 213/500 and dated in pencil along lower edge