KAWS: THE MESSAGE (2025) – A Masterful Wooden Multiple Bridging Renaissance and Contempo

In late 2025, American artist Brian Donnelly, better known as KAWS, unveiled one of his most conceptually rich and materially ambitious works to date: THE MESSAGE. This piece exists in two scales — a monumental site-specific installation at Florence’s historic Palazzo Strozzi and a limited-edition wooden multiple produced in an edition of 100 plus 20 artist’s proofs (AP). The specific example referenced here is edition 63/100, a wooden multiple consisting of four intricately carved parts housed in its original foam-lined wooden presentation box with a printed lid. Measuring approximately 14 x 13 x 6.6 inches (35.5 x 33 x 16.8 cm) overall, this scaled-down version captures the essence of the larger work while offering collectors an intimate, tactile experience of KAWS’s signature themes.

stir

THE MESSAGE originated as a site-specific commission for Palazzo Strozzi in Florence, Italy, on view from October 29, 2025, to January 25, 2026. Installed in the Renaissance courtyard, the work comprises two colossal wooden sculptures over six meters (nearly 20 feet) tall. These depict KAWS’s iconic characters — Companion (standing) and BFF (kneeling) — engaged in a modern reinterpretation of Fra Angelico’s Annunciation.

KAWS lands in renaissance florence with large-scale timber work

In the original 15th-century fresco, the Archangel Gabriel delivers a divine message to the Virgin Mary. KAWS replaces the sacred lily and heavenly ray of light with smartphones: Companion holds a phone outward as if sharing content or capturing a moment, while BFF kneels, absorbed in their device. This powerful juxtaposition creates a dialogue between Renaissance spirituality and 21st-century digital communication — exploring themes of connection, isolation, distraction, and the fleeting nature of modern “messages.”

KAWS chose wood deliberately, stating it had been ten years since he last worked extensively with the material. The rich, textured grain of the timber adds organic warmth and historical resonance to the otherwise pop-culture figures. Carved with remarkable detail — visible wood grain, X-marked eyes, and expressive hands — the monumental sculptures feel both ancient and contemporary, perfectly suited to the Renaissance architecture surrounding them.

KAWS: THE MESSAGE’ at Palazzo Strozzi Florence 

limit

The smaller wooden multiple translates this grand gesture into a collectible format. Edition 63/100 consists of four separate carved wooden components:

• Standing Companion figure holding a smartphone
• Kneeling BFF figure
• Two smartphones (detachable elements)

These parts fit together into a cohesive diorama-like scene and are protected in a custom foam-lined wooden box, complete with a printed lid featuring KAWS’s signature typography and imagery. Each piece is signed and numbered on the underside, ensuring authenticity.

The craftsmanship is exceptional. Working in wood allows for subtle variations in texture — smooth polished surfaces on the “skin” contrasting with deeper carved lines representing clothing and hair. The warm brown tones of the wood evoke both classical sculpture and high-end furniture, elevating the pop figures to fine art status. Unlike KAWS’s more common vinyl or bronze editions, this wooden version feels uniquely artisanal and archival.

KAWS lands in renaissance florence with large-scale timber work

theme

At its core, THE MESSAGE interrogates how we communicate today. Smartphones have become modern relics — simultaneously tools of connection and sources of alienation. KAWS has long used his Companion character to reflect human emotion: loneliness, joy, vulnerability. Here, the figures’ absorption in their devices mirrors contemporary behavior, where physical presence often competes with digital engagement.

This theme resonates deeply in 2026. Post-pandemic society continues grappling with technology’s impression on relationships. KAWS’s work doesn’t preach; it invites contemplation. By placing these characters in Florence — birthplace of the Renaissance and humanist ideals — he creates a poignant commentary on how technological “progress” has transformed human interaction.

evolve

Brian Donnelly (born 1974 in Jersey City) rose to prominence in the 1990s through street art, graffiti, and subversive interventions (such as altering advertisements). His “Companion” character — a skull-headed, cartoonish figure with X’d-out eyes — first appeared in the late 1990s and has since become a global icon.

KAWS’s practice spans painting, sculpture, fashion collaborations (Uniqlo, Supreme, Dior), and massive public installations. What distinguishes him is accessibility combined with depth. His works appeal to streetwear enthusiasts, serious collectors, and museum audiences alike.

THE MESSAGE fits into a lineage of significant KAWS sculptures:

• Companion series (various scales and materials)
• Family (2021 bronze group)
• Holiday installations worldwide

The 2025 work stands out for its direct art-historical dialogue and masterful material execution.

rare

Limited wooden multiples by KAWS are highly sought after. Edition 63/100 of THE MESSAGE represents a sweet spot — scarce enough for rarity (only 100 produced) yet available to dedicated collectors. Similar KAWS wooden works have shown strong secondary market performance, often appreciating due to their craftsmanship and connection to major institutional projects.

The original foam-lined box enhances value, serving as both protection and display element. Collectors often keep these editions assembled on custom stands or within the box for archival purposes.

leg

THE MESSAGE exemplifies KAWS’s ability to bridge high and low culture. By inserting pop icons into sacred Renaissance spaces, he democratizes art history while elevating contemporary view language. Visitors to Palazzo Strozzi — both art aficionados and casual tourists — engaged with the installation, photographing it and discussing its meaning.

For owners of the multiple, it serves as a miniature portal to that experience. Displayed on a desk, shelf, or in a vitrine, it sparks conversation about technology, art, and human connection.

In an era of NFTs, digital art, and fleeting trends, KAWS’s commitment to physical, hand-crafted objects feels refreshing. Wood, in particular, carries permanence and warmth that digital media cannot replicate.

display

For collectors in New York City or similar urban environments, this piece pairs beautifully with minimalist or eclectic interiors. Its warm wood tones complement concrete, steel, or mid-century furniture. Consider these display options:

• Assembled on a custom acrylic base for dramatic effect
• Kept in the original box as a sculptural object
• Lit with directional gallery lighting to highlight wood grain

It works well alongside other KAWS pieces, contemporary photography, or even classical bronzes — creating layered dialogues across time periods.

why

THE MESSAGE is more than a sculpture; it is a cultural artifact. It captures a specific moment in human history — one defined by unprecedented connectivity and simultaneous disconnection. Through familiar characters and masterful execution, KAWS makes profound ideas approachable.

Edition 63/100 stands as a tangible link to the monumental installation that captivated Florence. Its four-part construction invites interaction and appreciation of detail. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, this wooden multiple reminds us of the power of physical presence and crafted objects.

As KAWS continues evolving his practice, works like THE MESSAGE solidify his position as one of the most significant artists of his generation — capable of speaking across cultures, generations, and mediums.