Small Lie - 2017
Released in 2017, SMALL LIE features a slumped Companion with a long, Pinocchio-like nose—an emotional shift from KAWS’ usual stance. Produced in grey, brown, and black as open editions, each figure stood 11 inches tall and retailed for $220.
Retail Price: $220
Edition Size: Open
Released on December 12, 2017, Small Lie was adapted from KAWS’s large-scale wooden sculpture first shown at Yorkshire Sculpture Park in 2016. The 11-inch vinyl figure features Companion in a hunched stance, wearing overalls, with its arms at its sides and head bowed. A long, Pinocchio-style nose extends from its face, adding a sense of guilt or shame to the character's usual cartoon sadness. The sculpt emphasizes emotional vulnerability, turning a once-playful character into something more introspective and human.
The release landed in black, grey, and brown with a $220 retail, sold on KAWSONE and later through museum shops like YSP and In-Q. Its distinctive posture and sculptural roots have helped it remain popular with collectors seeking a more narrative-driven expression in vinyl form.
RESOURCES:
The KAWS “SMALL LIE” Vinyl Edition Gets an Official Release Date - Hypebeast
KAWS’ SMALL LIE To Drop December 12 on KAWSONE - TOYSREVIL
Small Lie — Artsy
KAWS at Yorkshire Sculpture Park - Yorkshire Sculpture Park
KAWS Small Lie Open Edition at Yorkshire Sculpture Park Store - The Toy Chronicle
