KAWS debuts inflatable sculpture on doha's dhow harbor overlooking the city skyline

brian donnelly, better known as KAWS, has debuted his first solo exhibition in the middle east at the ‘fire station’ venue in doha through january 2020. along with over 40 original artworks from his twenty-year career, KAWS has also installed a monumental, 40-meter long inflatable sculpture ‘HOLIDAY’ along the dhow harbour. previously displayed in cities such as hong kong and seoul, his iconic, moving art installation is hard to miss. ‘I am grateful for this opportunity to show a large group of my works in doha for the first time, and in such a complex and interesting space at the fire station,’ commented KAWS.

all images courtesy of @nk7 and @allrightsreserved

KAWS inflatable large-scale sculpture is positioned across the water from the city skyline, and lies on a rectangular platform looking into the distance. ‘we are pleased to present this important exhibition of the work of internationally renowned artist KAWS, along with the giant public installation in dhow harbour,’ said sheikha reem al-thani, director of exhibitions at qatar museums. ‘if the public reception of the recent installation of KAWS’s small lie (2018) at doha’s hamad international airport, is any indication, the artist’s larger than life sculptures, which evoke questions of humanity and hope, will unquestionably resonate with the people of qatar.’

commissioned by qatar museums and curated by art historian germano celant, KAWS solo exhibition ‘HE EATS ALONE’ can be found at the fire station venue nearby the harbor. the two-story exhibition features his original paintings, graphic design, small-scale objects and sculptures on the first floor, and ninety examples of commercial collaboration works such as sneakers, skateboards and toys on the second floor. ‘the figures by KAWS are inflicted in the world through a system of global communication and distribution. they are delicate, original forms that graft into every earthly context,’ praises germano celant.