KAWS has entered the realm of augmented reality (AR). The acclaimed artist launched a virtual reality experience titled “EXPANDED HOLIDAY,” a public exhibition, which sees his signature works translated into massive digital sculptures.
The “EXPANDED HOLIDAY” global public exhibition features 12 large-scale AR sculptures of KAWS’ signature Companion. It will be made available for audiences in major cities around the world, including Qatar, Hong Kong, London, New York, and Tokyo. It will run from March 12 until March 26.
Visitors to the free exhibitions will be able to view a giant, levitating Companion through an app at 12 famous locations, including New York’s Times Square, The Louvre in Paris and Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo.
The project is in collaboration with tech company Acute Art, which is known for its work with renowned artists, helping them realize ambitious virtuality-reality projects. Acute Art will also launch two editions of the KAWS sculptures to users.
25 limited-edition AR sculptures (1.8 meters tall) will be available to lease via the Acute Art website for $10,000. Users can then see the art at any location, with the option to resell the edition. The second rollout is an open edition consisting of AR sculptures in three colorways that will drop at specific times. Users will only be able to keep the works for 24 hours or 10 days and share their experience on social media. Prices start at $6.99 for one sculpture for 24 hours.
The Acute Art App is available to download across Apple and Android devices. Head over to AcuteArt.com for more information.