Missing 2017

Kaws made this painting, 'Missing', with smooth, graphic marks and a bold color palette. I can imagine the artist layering shapes, building up this composition through intuitive decisions. I sympathize with any artist trying to wrangle abstract forms into something coherent. What was Kaws thinking when he made those signature 'X' marks over the eyes? It's like a playful act of defacement, or maybe a symbol for something hidden. The paint looks thin, almost like ink, which keeps the surface clean and crisp. That red circle with the cross is so striking – it grabs your attention and holds it there. I wonder if Kaws was looking at Pop Art when he made this, or maybe even earlier abstract painters who were trying to invent new languages of form. Ultimately, artists are always in conversation with each other across time, and this painting feels like another contribution to that ongoing dialogue, embracing ambiguity and inviting multiple readings.