Change is essential to this years Video Music Awards, which will make its return to New York City when it invades the Barclays Center in Brooklyn August 25. And today, we get official word that the iconic Moonman award has gotten a makeover courtesy of renowned artist Brian “KAWS” Donnelly.
For those not familiar with the history, KAWS’s resume boasts illustration on Nickelodeon’s classic 90’s cartoon Doug, an iconic, but now defunct streetwear brand called OriginalFake, and noteworthy album covers like Kanye West’s 808s & Heartbreak and Clipse’s Til The Casket Drops.
That made him a worthy candidate to give the familiar astronaut statue a one-time cosmetic switch up.
KAWS kept his version true to key aspect’s of the original design –it stands 13” in height and is made of chrome– but the figurine now features his patented Companion character’s likeness.
“It’s such a strong, iconic thing. Everyone sees the Moonman and knows right off the bat what it is,” KAWS told MTV News.
He continued, “That’s what I liked about the project; I wouldn’t want to redesign it for history, I like the idea that at this moment, this first time in Brooklyn, the Moonman’s going to change.”
See KAWS’ full sit down here. Catch photos of the new and improved Moonman on the following pages.
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Photo: MTV
