Give, take

KAWS’ Companion is one of the most iconic figures created by the artist Brian Donnelly, known as KAWS. The Companion character features a cartoon-like figure with a skull-shaped head, crossed-out eyes, and gloved hands, resembling classic animation characters but with a distinct melancholic and introspective expression. Since its debut in the late 1990s, Companion has been released in various forms, including vinyl toys, large-scale sculptures, and limited-edition collaborations. The character is often depicted in different poses, such as covering its face in distress, reclining, floating, or standing tall, reflecting themes of isolation, vulnerability, and contemplation. Strangecat Toys is a designer toy store based in Tampa, Florida, specializing in urban vinyl toys, art toys, customs, plush toys, and more. Owned and operated by a husband and wife team, the store offers a curated selection of collectibles from both established and emerging artists. The physical store is located at 4338 S Manhattan Ave, Tampa, Florida 33611 Chris RWK is an American artist born in 1977 and raised in New York City. His work is deeply influenced by the imagery and ideas he encountered during his childhood in the 1970s and 1980s, including television, comic books, films, music, and notably, robots. Chris RWK’s art features a distinctive visual language characterized by vibrant colors and lively strokes. His paintings often depict robots and other figures set against colorful cityscapes, reflecting the vibrancy and complexity of urban life. Drawing from his “mental journal,” a collection of images and ideas stored from his youth, his work references popular culture and everyday musings, invoking feelings of comfort and familiarity.