Going As Friends 2013

Kaws, born in 1974, made "Going As Friends," and it's a trip into bold simplicity. The flat, almost graphic, approach to color and form gives it that immediate pop. It’s like Kaws is saying, "Let's get straight to the feeling," cutting out the fluff. The surface is so smooth, you almost want to touch it. It’s kinda like a sign, where the lack of texture screams intention. The eyes especially get me—big, bright circles with those crossed-out marks. It’s like a denial of sight. And the color choices, those pinks and reds set against the deep purple, they don’t just sit there; they vibrate. There's a directness that reminds me of Warhol's prints, but with Kaws, it's like he's remixing sadness and irony, making it accessible. Art doesn't always need to whisper; sometimes, a shout does the trick.