American artist, KAWS, is relatively unknown in contemporary art circles in the UK which makes it an extra-special sculpture show for Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Always a favourite in my eyes, the park has a special magic about it and is one of the few places where large sculptures can be showcased to maximum impact. KAWS is no exception.

Originally starting out as a graffiti artist, he now dabbles in painting, murals and graphic design, regularly working with major companies designing new product imagery. His fun, pop-art inspired figures straddle both worlds of art and design and its no wonder his artistic services are in great demand. Inspired by early childhood memories… Mickey and Snoopy… but his sculptures feature his trademark crossed-out eyes.

An indoor gallery complements his six huge outdoor wooden sculptures. Inside there’s even more smaller-scale sculptures, some akin to the Simpsons ‘Itchy and Scratchy’ cartoons. Next to brightly coloured, large screenprinted canvases and prints. Walking around the gallery and park, his art seems to have touched a younger audience with people of all ages coming to see his new work. There’s definitely a magnetic energy to his art.

Continue to read this blog and about the other exhibitions at YSP… http://illustratinganartylife.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/yorkshire-sculpture-park-hits-gold-with.html