KAWS's latest installation has reached Mount Fuji

In Japan, on the slopes of Mount Fuji, a giant inflatable figure with X-eyes has appeared, looking like a disturbing mash-up between Mickey Mouse and McDonald's clown. It's KAWS:HOLIDAY, the new travelling installation by KAWS starring Companion, his most iconic character. Following Seoul, Taipei and Hong Kong, the artist brought his famous art toy to Shizuoka, on the highland of Fumotoppara Camping Ground. A location that seems to fully embody the philosophy behind the project: to give people all over the world a relaxing and enjoyable experience. 

Brian Donnelly, better known as KAWS, began his career in the 90s, "painting" the walls of New York with his graffiti and performing subvertising actions, but achieved success with the art toys that rework in a vinyl version with bright colors symbol of pop culture figures such as Mickey Mouse, Michelin Man, the Smurfs, Snoopy and Spongebob. Beloved by stars and fashion system, he has collaborated, among others, with Pharrell, Nike, Supreme, Undercover, UNIQLO and has also created a giant BFF composed of 70,000 roses for the debut show of Kim Jones at Dior. 

KAWS:HOLIDAY is only the latest of Donnelly's projects to attract attention. To celebrate the opening of the new location where the Companion is relaxed with its hands on its belly and legs bent looking to Mount Fuji, 2,000 campers will be able to spend the night next to the installation and watch a 5-minute drone performance by the SKYMAGIC team.

For the occasion KAWS has created a special merchandise that includes a 20 cm KAWS-style Mt. Fuji in three colorways, 24.1 cm Kokeshi Dolls vinyl; ceramic plates in four colors; gold and silver pins; the Fire-King Mugs, each decorated with works of art from Mount Fuji; cushions; t-shirts and tote bags in navy blue, white and pink. The entire collection will be on sale in the Ding Dong Takuhaibin online store.