Kaws The News II, 2018
diameter 61 cm
In The News II, 2018, KAWS continues his vivid exploration of abstraction and emotion through his instantly recognizable visual code. The circular composition bursts with saturated hues—crimson, violet, and lemon yellow—interlaced with the artist’s signature XX motif. The overlapping forms and bold colour fields create a sense of collision and harmony, evoking both the intensity and overload of contemporary visual culture.
Here, KAWS fragments the familiar cartoon language that first defined his practice, transforming it into a sophisticated abstract dialogue. The flattened planes, thick outlines, and gestural strokes suggest movement and emotional turbulence beneath the surface. The piece feels simultaneously playful and anxious—reflecting a world saturated with imagery yet yearning for genuine expression.
The News II exemplifies KAWS’s ability to balance pop accessibility with painterly depth, merging street culture aesthetics with fine art refinement. It stands as a dynamic emblem of his ongoing commentary on media, identity, and the colourful chaos of modern life.