Serpentine Galleries in Kensington is starting the New Year with a multi-layered exhibition with the internationally acclaimed artist KAWS, developed in collaboration with the popular online video game Fortnite.
KAWS, FAMILY, 2021, Bronze, paint, 86 1/4 x 81 1/2 x 37 5/8 inches. Copyright: © KAWS / Private Collection
Feating new and recent work, all of the paintings and sculptures that are displayed at the exhibition also exist as AR works on the Acute Art app to offer a bridge between the virtual and the physical worlds. The artwork can also be placed and viewed at home by viewers globally using the Acute Art app.
KAWS, SEEING, 2022, augmented reality sculpture at Serpentine North Gallery. Courtesy of KAWS and Acute Art.
About KAWS
New York artist Brian Donnelly, aka KAWS, has created a prolific body of influential work which straddles the worlds of art and design to include street art, graphic and product design, paintings, murals and large-scale sculptures.
His work regularly exhibits in museums and galleries around the world and continues to appeal to diverse audiences within and beyond the art world as well as the commercial sector, where he has collaborated with creative industry leaders including Nike, Supreme, Comme des Garçons, Dior, and Uniqlo.
KAWS: NEW FICTION in Fortnite. © Epic Games
Fortnite Gallery
A virtual recreation of the NEW FICTION show is also free to view in Fortnite, allowing millions of players from all over the world to experience the exhibition from anywhere. Built by the Fortnite Creative community, players will be able to explore the Serpentine’s grounds and experience KAWS’ artworks and his iconic sculptures in a completely new way.
KAWS says “This is an incredibly exciting project for me. I always like exploring new mediums for my art. I became interested in working with AR when I realized the quality that can be achieved now. Then came the invitation to work with Fortnite. Now all these things come together in a complex exhibition that takes place in parallel realities.”
NEW FICTION Merch
To celebrate the project’s opening, KAWS has produced a limited edition print to raise funds for the Serpentine gallery. The project will also be accompanied by a forthcoming publication which will include contributions by Hans Ulrich Obrist, Daniel Birnbaum and the American novelist Alexandra Kleeman.
KAWS: NEW FICTION is now free to view at Serpentine North and in Fortnite until 27 February 2022.
