THE PROMISE Black

THE PROMISE Black is a collectible vinyl KAWS composition with two COMPANION characters and a globe. The larger figure bends towards the smaller one, which reaches out to the planet. Cross-shaped eyes and familiar rounded forms identify the artist, but interaction is central. The title gives the simple gesture particular meaning: what we pass on needs care today.

THE PROMISE in Qatar

The monumental THE PROMISE was created for Dadu, Children’s Museum of Qatar, and installed in Dadu Gardens in Doha. Qatar Museums connects it with responsibility for the planet. The gardens opened in November 2022; during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 they hosted family activities exploring nature and the environment.

The collectible release

Vinyl THE PROMISE versions appeared on KAWSONE on 22 November 2022 in Brown, Grey and Black. MEDICOM TOY documents the subsequent Japanese sale of those three versions in December. The collectibles bring the public sculpture’s subject into a domestic scale. Their history is connected with Doha’s cultural programme, while the meaning extends beyond a sporting event to a shared future.

Features of Black

Both characters are black, immediately drawing attention to the blue-and-green globe. Cross-shaped eyes and glove details emerge through the sculpted surface. The reverse view reveals the adult’s leaning pose and the smaller COMPANION’s palms reaching towards the planet. The dark palette unifies the silhouette, making the globe the focal point of both colour and meaning.

Edition details

Artist: KAWS.
Name: THE PROMISE Black.
Characters: COMPANION.
Colour: Black .
Release year: 2022.
Material: vinyl.
Manufacturer: MEDICOM TOY.
Larger COMPANION height: approximately 34 cm.
Smaller COMPANION height: approximately 17 cm.

Collecting and gifting

THE PROMISE Black can complement a contemporary-art collection or become a gift for someone drawn to family and responsibility. Its meaning reaches beyond recognition of KAWS: the subject is understandable even on a first encounter with COMPANION. A shelf or console with space around both characters is suitable for display. View them together: the distance between the figures, tilt of the head and meeting of hands create the work’s story.

Other KAWS works

Compare THE PROMISE Brown and THE PROMISE Grey, or explore the KAWS collection at ArtComburo. Learn about the artist and his work on the official KAWS website.