KAWS Holiday Thailand – A monumental sculpture in the heart of Bangkok

The contemporary artist KAWS, whose real name is Brian Donnelly, continues his impressive world tour with a new stop in his “KAWS: HOLIDAY” project, which began in 2018. After notable installations in Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, Singapore, and even in front of Mount Fuji in Japan, Thailand is now welcoming the artist’s poetic and pop-inspired universe. From May 13 to 25, 2025, visitors will be able to discover a monumental 18-meter-tall inflatable sculpture at Sanam Luang—a vast historic esplanade located in front of Bangkok’s Grand Palace—specially designed to engage in dialogue with this iconic site.

KAWS Holiday Thailand sculpture

The artwork features KAWS’s iconic character, the famous “COMPANION” figure—a recurring presence in his work, instantly recognizable with its crossed-out eyes and white gloves. Seated on planet Earth, the giant COMPANION gently cradles the moon in its arms, striking a pose that evokes protection, meditation, and transmission. Resting on its knees is a miniature version of itself—presumably its child—positioned in a way that suggests innocent attentiveness. This tender and metaphysical scene explores themes of intergenerational connection and the emotional and spiritual legacy we pass on.

Naturally, the piece can also be read as an ecological message, symbolizing the transmission of our living environment—our habitat—to future generations. This interpretation resonates strongly in today’s context, as humanity struggles to reduce CO2 emissions. The work recalls the symbolism of his 2023 sculpture The Promise, displayed in Doha and later released as a limited edition of 500 “art toys.” In that piece, KAWS also portrayed the COMPANION figure passing the Earth to its child, reinforcing a message of responsibility and hope.

With KAWS: Holiday Thailand, the artist KAWS goes beyond impressing through scale or technique; he invites a universal reflection on continuity, care, and the importance of intergenerational bonds. The contrast between the ephemeral nature of the medium—an inflatable sculpture—and the depth of the message reinforces the duality that defines his work, oscillating between pop culture and existential meditation. The choice of Sanam Luang, a ritual and political space, gives the installation a particularly powerful local resonance.

In doing so, the artist places himself within a contemporary tradition of public monuments, while maintaining his playful and instantly recognizable visual language. This Thai stop is also an opportunity for the pop art artist to expand the universal reach of his message—delivered through his figurines and characters—by connecting with new cultures and an ever-growing global audience.

A Collector’s Art Toy Inspired by the Installation

In keeping with previous editions of the “HOLIDAY” series, a collectible art toy will be released alongside the installation. Produced in a limited edition—typically 500 pieces—this molded silicone figure will faithfully replicate the pose of the giant COMPANION cradling a glowing moon in its arms, with its smaller double on its lap, seated on planet Earth. Made from high-quality vinyl, the Holiday Thailand figurine will be available exclusively through the DDT Store website, the partner platform of AllRightsReserved, which has collaborated with KAWS since the inception of this traveling project, especially in the production and distribution of his collectibles. KAWS: Holiday Thailand is expected to be released in mid-May 2025.

In the video above: the new giant sculpture KAWS: Holiday Thailand

This launch is already generating excitement among collectors. Previous figurines from the series—released during the stops at Mount Fuji, Seoul, and Shanghai (also featuring a glowing moon)—sold out within minutes and have significantly increased in value on the resale market. The same is true for The Promise (which also symbolized the transmission of the Earth), now considered one of the artist’s most sought-after works.

This new edition, skillfully blending emotion, design, and storytelling, is expected to further elevate KAWS’s standing in the art toy world—a segment where he has become a leading figure, straddling street art and collectible culture. More than just a piece of merchandise, this toy encapsulates the very DNA of the original work: tenderness, reflection, and the idea of transmission, all in a form accessible to everyone.

KAWS is an artist at the intersection of contemporary art and popular culture.

Brian Donnelly, known as KAWS, was born in 1974 in Jersey City, New Jersey (USA). A graduate of the School of Visual Arts in New York, he began his career in the 1990s by altering advertising posters in the New York City subway, transforming perfume and movie campaigns into subversive works of art. His graphic style—deeply inspired by cartoons and comics—quickly gained attention for its visual impact and its unique ability to engage with popular culture.

The KAWS: Holiday Changbai Mountain Figurine

From the 2000s onward, KAWS gained international recognition through his giant sculptures and limited-edition figurines, particularly the “COMPANION” character—a hybrid of Mickey Mouse and a skeleton—that became his signature figure. He has exhibited in major institutions such as the Brooklyn Museum and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, while also collaborating with brands like Dior, Nike, Uniqlo, and Comme des Garçons. His approach blurs the lines between art, design, and merchandise, positioning him at the crossroads of high art and consumer culture.

Above: the KAWS Family Brown figurines.  They are among the most sought-after pieces on the market. This set features five iconic characters from KAWS’s body of work: COMPANION, CHUM, and BFF.

A complete artist and cultural entrepreneur, KAWS has established himself as one of the most influential creators of his generation. His universal visual language, hybrid characters, and sense of scale allow him to reach a broad audience—ranging from contemporary art collectors to streetwear enthusiasts. His work also raises a fundamental question: can popular art retain depth and meaning? In KAWS’s case, the answer appears to be a resounding and monumental “yes.”

The limited editions of his figurines are highly prized by collectors. They offer an accessible entry point into the artist’s universe at a relatively affordable price. These pieces can be found in specialized galleries, such as Class Art Biarritz, with prices ranging from €700 to €2,000. Some of the most sought-after editions include KAWS: The Promise, KAWS: Holiday, KAWS: Gone, KAWS: Share, and KAWS: Family (a complete family set featuring five characters).

For more information about KAWS artworks available at Class Art Biarritz. To explore the full range of KAWS limited-edition figurines, visit www.kaws-archives.com.