Sculpture by KAWS Installed in Hirshhorn's Sculpture Garden - Washingtonian

"The 14-foot-tall bronze “SHELTER,” which was made and cast for the Hirshhorn as a commission this year, sits on the northwest corner of the West Overlook, across from the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building. Passersby will be able to get a good look at it, and that increased visibility has been a goal of the museum's Sculpture Garden renovation, led by artist and architect Hiroshi Sugimoto. The Hirshhorn plans to place several other works across both its West and East overlooks as part of the project."

"“It’s an honor to have my work installed in the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden alongside so many artists I respect and admire,” KAWS said in a press release. “Being in such a prominent location on our capital's National Mall is a true privilege. I hope the work encourages people to reflect on our relationships, how we treat one another and what that means for future generations.”"

"KAWS, who started his career as an animator for Disney, incorporates original characters dubbed “Companions” into many of his designs. These figures are reminiscent of Mickey Mouse with their gloved hands, but get a little spookier upon closer inspection: The signature ears are replaced with crossbone-like appendages that protrude from the skulls, and “X”s are drawn in place of eyes. “SHELTER” depicts two of these characters-a parent with a child on its lap, which helped inspire its placement facing the recently reopened National Mall carousel."

A 14-foot-tall bronze sculpture titled “SHELTER” by Brooklyn artist KAWS is being installed at the Hirshhorn Museum’s Sculpture Garden. The work was made and cast as a commission for the museum and will sit on the northwest corner of the West Overlook, across from the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building. Increased visibility is a goal of the Sculpture Garden renovation led by Hiroshi Sugimoto, and additional works are planned for both the West and East overlooks. The grounds are expected to reopen in late October after more than three years of construction. “SHELTER” features KAWS’s “Companions,” including a parent holding a child, and is intended to prompt reflection on how people treat one another and future generations.

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