Best Art Drops This Week: Takashi Murakami Plushes, KAWS T-Shirts & More

Whether it’s an auction, private sale or online release, there is an innumerable amount of artworks being sold by the hour from international galleries and other art-inclined markets. Despite the overwhelming number of works being produced globally, finding the piece you want to purchase is easier nowadays due to websites catering to a specific art genre, as well as social media.

The only complication for attaining art may be getting first dibs at a painting by Picasso or a piece by a leading contemporary art luminary, such as Jeff Koons. Fortunately, there are affordable options for those desiring works by a major artist. Wearable art such as KAWS’s upcoming apparel collab with Union or collectible vinyl figures such as Medicom Toy’s BE@BRICK partnership with graffiti pioneer Phil Frost, won’t burn a big hole your wallet like an Old Master would.

Check out this week’s best art drops and let us know your favorites. In related art news, Cali Thornhill DeWitt and New York Sunshine are set to launch a new exhibit at Brussels’ STEMS Gallery.

Takashi Murakami x Uniqlo UT Doraemon Collection

Uniqlo UT

Release Date: April 26
Release Price: TBC, available first exclusively at the Uniqlo Fifth Avenue flagship store in NYC

Takashi Murakami and Uniqlo UT are set to release a new Doraemon collection. The iconic Japanese artist’s original designs from his 2017 “Create Your Own Doraemon” exhibit are embellished across the upcoming range, spanning 15 items and including men’s and kids’ T-shirts as well as an all-over print plush. The partnered offering is set to drop at Uniqlo’s Fifth Avenue flagship store in New York City on April 26. A global release will follow both online and in-store in late May.

Uniqlo Fifth Avenue
666 5th Ave
New York, NY 10103

KAWS x Union Tokyo Apparel Collaboration

KAWS

Release Date: April 28
Release Price: TBC, available first exclusively at Union Tokyo flagship store

KAWS recently took to Instagram to unveil his latest apparel collaboration with the Union. The Brooklyn-based artist posted a video depicting drawings of his signature Companion character sitting atop “Union Tokyo” in bubble lettering. “I made this drawing for my friend @chrisunion [Chris Gibbs] who just opened UNION Japan,” said KAWS in the caption. Having added that the label already created several T-shirts and sweatshirts for the anticipated collab. All items will release first at Union Tokyo this April 28. A Union Los Angeles launch will follow on April 30.

Union Tokyo
2-26-5 Jingumae 1F
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-6434-5510

Heritage Auctions Launches Second Major Streetwear Auction

Heritage Auctions

Release Date: April 24
Release Price: Bidding is now live, 274 available items at Heritage Auctions’ official website

Following a monumental streetwear auction with Canadian rapper Madchild, Heritage Auctions returns with another extensive sale featuring rare collectibles from KAWS, UNDERCOVER, BAPE, Supreme and Medicom Toy. A total of 274 items are up for grabs with the KAWS x Lucas Films Darth Vader Companion nabbing the highest bid price so far at $2,200 USD. Head over to Heritage Auctions’ official website to bid on your favorite pieces now.

James Jean’s Limited Edition Signed Catalogs For “Azimuth” Exhibit

James Jean

Release Date: April 20
Release Price: TBC, available exclusively at Kaikai Kiki Gallery in Tokyo, Japan

James Jean recently launched his latest solo exhibition at Kaikai Kiki Gallery in Tokyo, Japan titled “Azimuth.” The presentation spotlights a number of never-before-seen stained glass works and paintings. To commemorate the show, the celebrated artist is giving gallery-goers a chance to grab a limited-edition signed catalog as well as a small sketch. Only 150 catalogs are available exclusively at the Japan gallery.

Kaikai Kiki Gallery
2-3-30 Motoazabu Crest Bldg. B1F
Minato, Tokyo 106-0046
Japan

Medicom Toy Releases New BE@RBRICK Collaboration With Phil Frost

Medicom Toy

Release Date: April 24
Release Price: ￥12,000 JPY – ￥48,000 JPY (approx. $110 USD – $440 USD), available at Medicom Toy stockists

Medicom Toy’s newest BE@RBRICK collaboration is none other than self-taught artist and graffiti pioneer Phil Frost. The NYC-based artist is widely acknowledged for his mixed-media works that fuse graffiti tags with facets of modern art. The drop includes 100% and 400% sizes that is now available at select Medicom Toy stockists.