Going As Friends 2013

Kaws made this painting, called ‘Going As Friends’, with flat, graphic shapes in a limited colour palette. I imagine Kaws, standing in his studio, layering bold colours to make these iconic crossed-out eyes. What were they thinking as they painted? Is this what friendship looks like? Like something has died? Is this a eulogy? There is so much going on with the placement of colour and shape. Kaws makes this painting his own while tipping his hat to artists like Haring and Warhol. He is part of a long chain of image-makers, borrowing and sharing ideas across time. That blue cross takes me somewhere, somehow. It's so decisive! What if we all had the guts to just put a big X on things we are done with? The painting embraces ambiguity and uncertainty, allowing for multiple readings, and that’s just part of the fun.