PASSING THROUGH Black

PASSING THROUGH Black is a vinyl KAWS composition featuring seated COMPANION. The head is bowed, elbows rest on the knees and palms cover the face completely. Instead of the character’s gaze, we see crosses on its gloves, a recognisable sign of the artist. The rectangular base belongs to the sculptural composition.

In Black, dark shades unite the head, gloves and clothing. Sculpted crosses on the palms remain visible through light and volume rather than a sharp colour contrast.

Gesture and form

A familiar cartoon silhouette becomes vulnerable: the closed pose leaves space for a personal interpretation of its mood. Front views emphasise the hands and head; the side reveals the curve of the back and support on the knees. The gallery includes front, side and rear views, together with interior photographs.

Edition details

Artist: KAWS.
Character: COMPANION.
Work: PASSING THROUGH.
Colour: Black .
Vinyl edition year: 2018.
Manufacturer: MEDICOM TOY.
Material: vinyl.
Height: approximately 20 cm.
Edition: Open Edition, without a stated numbered edition size.

The work and release history

The seated COMPANION design connects with the monumental COMPANION (PASSING THROUGH), dated 2010. It was shown at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth in 2012–2013. This vinyl version belongs to the 2018 Open Edition: MEDICOM TOY announced Black, Brown and Grey sales at MEDICOM TOY PLUS from 15 September 2018. That is the date of this release rather than the creation of the large sculpture.

Within the KAWS collection

The seated composition differs from vertical COMPANION figures and is worth considering as a distinct silhouette rather than merely another colour. Compare it with works in the KAWS collection and other PASSING THROUGH colours. Learn about the artist’s practice on the official KAWS website.

For comparison, explore PASSING THROUGH Grey.