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Misaki Kawai (Japanese, b.1978)
LOT ID: 78584
Banana Slip, 2007

Paper, paper mache
29 х 15 х 2 in. cm.
Signed, on verso.
Lot description
Demonstrating Contemporary Japanese artist Misaki Kawai's characteristic sense of humor with a bit of an obscene twist, 'Banana Slip' (2007) portrays a girl in midst of a fall after slipping on a banana peel, presenting the viewer with a peak of her white underpants. Kawai's use of paper mache creates the lovable, homemade aesthetic she is known for, which balances out the suggestive humor, making this work delightfully appealing. According to Kawai, “Some art may be very cute. It’s easy for people to love it, but it’s a little bit empty, it’s easy. Nothing sticks in your head or your heart. Same thing with [art that is overtly] bad or sad. I like to have a balance.” This work measures 29 x 15 x 2 inches (73.7 x 38.1 x 5.1 cm) and is in excellent condition.

Combining a strong sense of wit with 'cutesy' imagery, and drawing on influences from her travels Misaki Kawai (b.1978) creates works that are appealing for both their simplicity and for their edge. Born in Osaka, Kawai attended the Kyoto College of Art from 1997 to 1999 and later moved to New York. While popular culture is central in her subject matter, her native country is a continual source of inspiration. Her work has been widely exhibited throughout the world, with recent solo exhibitions at Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery, Tokyo, Japan; LaMontagne Gallery, Boston, MA; Paul Bright, Toronto, Canada; V1 Gallery, Copenhagen, Denmark; Perugi Arte Contemporanea, Padova, Italy; and Kenny Schachter Contemporary, New York/London. The artist lives and works in New York, U.S.

Payment and shipping are determined upon purchase. Winning bidder pays shipping fees, insurance in transit as desired, and taxes as applicable. Will ship world-wide.
PLEASE NOTE: Payment and shipping are determined upon purchase. Winning bidder pays all shipping fees and taxes as applicable. Will ship world-wide.
Banana Slip by Misaki Kawai
  • Banana Slip by Misaki Kawai
  • Banana Slip by Misaki Kawai
  • Banana Slip by Misaki Kawai
  • Banana Slip by Misaki Kawai
  • Banana Slip by Misaki Kawai
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Additional Market Information

PLEASE NOTE: At 29 x 15 x 2 inches, all listed comparables are notably larger.

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  • Misaki Kawai

    Big break
    collage and mixed media on canvas
    (H 62.5, W 89.0) in.
    (158.8 x 226.1) cm.
    Sold for: US$2,250
    Thursday, March 08, 2012
    Phillips de Pury & Company New York
    Lot 00304
  • Misaki Kawai

    Go away poi poi
    paper, cloth, acrylic on canvas
    (H 30.1, W 30.1) in.
    (76.5 x 76.5) cm.
    Sold for: US$2,259
    Saturday, July 12, 2008
    Est-Ouest Auctions Co., Ltd.
    Lot 00004
  • Misaki Kawai

    Sexy Miss India
    paper, cloth, acrylic on canvas
    (H 30.1, W 30.1) in.
    (76.5 x 76.5) cm.
    Sold for: US$2,636
    Saturday, July 12, 2008
    Est-Ouest Auctions Co., Ltd.
    Lot 00005
  • Misaki Kawai

    Pet jet
    mixed media
    (H 15, W 109.0) in.
    (38.1 x 276.9) cm.
    Sold for: US$2,500
    Wednesday, September 12, 2007
    Sotheby's New York
    Lot 00163

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