Scale, Scarcity, and Iconography (2017–2018)
KAWS has built one of the most recognizable visual languages of the last two decades—one that bridges fine art, design, and popular culture without ever losing its conceptual core. Among collectors, the period between 2016 and 2018, particularly works published by Pace Editions / Pace Prints, is widely regarded as one of the strongest eras for KAWS prints: ambitious in scale, tightly produced, and grounded in his most iconic imagery.
We are currently offering three important screenprints from this period, each appealing to a slightly different collector profile, yet unified by quality, scale, and market relevance.
Piranhas When You’re Sleeping (2017)
Screenprint on Saunders Waterford HP paper
60 × 46 inches
Edition of 50 (plus artist’s proofs)
Signed, dated, and numbered
Published by Pace Editions, Inc., New York
This is the most institutional and commanding of the three works. At over five feet tall and produced in a notably small edition of 50, Piranhas When You’re Sleeping sits firmly in the “anchor print” category for KAWS collectors.
The image—an unmistakable Companion head with exposed teeth—draws directly from KAWS’s most recognizable iconography. Combined with its early execution date and scarcity, this work consistently outperforms later, higher-edition prints. Examples are rarely available publicly, and when they are, they tend to transact privately rather than at auction.
Collector profile:
Ideal for collectors seeking a large-scale, statement KAWS with strong long-term positioning and limited edition size.
Presenting the Past (2017)
Screenprint in colors
Large-format composition
Hand-signed, dated, and numbered
Published by Pace Editions, Inc., New York
Presenting the Past occupies a compelling middle ground within the KAWS print market. Executed the same year as Piranhas, it features classic Companion imagery rendered with clarity and graphic impact, making it immediately legible—and highly livable—on the wall.
While produced in a larger edition than Piranhas, it benefits from the same Pace-era pedigree and strong collector recognition. This work has proven particularly liquid in the private market, appealing to both seasoned KAWS collectors and those upgrading from smaller or later-edition prints.
Collector profile:
An excellent “step-up” work for collectors who want scale and iconic imagery without competing at the very top of the print market.
Lost Time (2018)
Screenprint
32 × 53 1/4 inches
Edition of 100
Hand-signed by the artist
Published by Pace Prints
Lost Time represents a slightly later moment in the Pace print cycle, offering a bold, horizontal composition that reads beautifully in modern interiors. While the edition size is larger, the work remains highly desirable due to its strong color relationships, excellent proportions, and clean execution.
This print often serves as an entry point for collectors seeking a substantial, wall-dominant KAWS without moving into the upper tiers of pricing. Availability on the open market remains limited, as many examples are held in long-term collections.
Collector profile:
Ideal for collectors entering the KAWS market at scale, or for those seeking a visually impactful work with strong brand recognition.
How These Three Works Fit Together
Taken together, these prints illustrate a clear hierarchy within KAWS’s print market, driven by three factors collectors care about most: date, edition size, and scale.
- Piranhas When You’re Sleeping — smallest edition, largest scale, strongest scarcity
- Presenting the Past — classic imagery, strong liquidity, excellent balance of value and impact
- Lost Time — accessible, bold, and highly livable with broad appeal
Each offers a distinct entry point depending on a collector’s goals—whether that is anchoring a collection, upgrading within the KAWS ecosystem, or acquiring a first major work from the artist.
Final Thoughts
KAWS prints from the Pace era continue to stand apart from later, higher-edition releases. Their combination of scale, craftsmanship, and iconic imagery has kept them relevant across shifting market cycles. With availability increasingly limited, well-preserved examples in excellent condition represent compelling opportunities for collectors who value both visual impact and long-term positioning.
For further details, images, or pricing discussions on any of these works, we’re always happy to continue the conversation.
