Running Chum (1)

Work Summary & Collector Notes

The first numbered edition in KAWS's Running Chum print series, depicting his CHUM character — a reworking of the Michelin Man (Bibendum) — in a dynamic running pose. The stout, stacked-tire figure with X-ed-out eyes is rendered in KAWS's flat, bold graphic style with crisp outlines, captured mid-stride to suggest motion. As the opening variant in the set, Running Chum (1) presents the energetic composition that the other versions reprise across different palettes, distilling KAWS's advertising-derived mascot into a lively, collectible image.

Collector notes: Edition label was not stated, and total quantity was not documented in the saved record. Edition-specific signature, numbering, and stamp details were not stated in the saved release record. Verify signing and numbering against a documented example of this edition.

Why It Matters

CHUM is one of KAWS's foundational appropriated characters, sitting alongside Companion as a pillar of his invented-character vocabulary, and the Running Chum series gives that normally static mascot a rare sense of forward movement. As the first numbered edition in the set, Running Chum (1) anchors the group and is a natural cornerstone for collectors pursuing the full series. The series highlights KAWS's roots in advertising and cartoon appropriation while showing his command of print as a medium with its own compositional energy. For collectors, owning Running Chum (1) connects to the CHUM lineage that traces back to KAWS's earliest appropriation works, and its accessible graphic clarity makes it an approachable yet meaningful holding. The numbered, motion-driven format also encourages completist collecting across the related variants, reinforcing the series' appeal.

Collector Perspective

Running Chum (1) suits collectors of KAWS's CHUM character and those building out the Running Chum set, where it functions as the lead variant. Its lively pose and clean graphic style make it an engaging display piece that reads well from a distance and pairs naturally with the other numbered and multi-color versions. It also complements standalone CHUM editions and CHUM appropriation prints, fitting into a focused CHUM grouping or a broader survey of KAWS's characters. As always, signature, edition details, condition, and authentication are the key value drivers in the KAWS editions market.

Historical Context

CHUM originated in KAWS's late-1990s and early-2000s appropriation of the Michelin Man, when he was converting commercial mascots into recurring characters across paintings, prints, and vinyl toys. The Running Chum series belongs to his continuing editions practice, revisiting the CHUM figure in fresh compositions well after its debut. It reflects the mature phase in which his invented characters were established enough to sustain numbered series and color variants, with print serving as a primary means of reaching his broad audience. Running Chum (1), as the opening edition, marks the entry point into this particular extension of the CHUM lineage.

Documented Release Details

Object type

Editioned print or object

Release date

2000

Release-date note

Catalog-listed release year from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.

Series

Chum Series

Medium and materials

Medium and materials were not documented in the saved record.

Edition details

Edition label was not stated, and total quantity was not documented in the saved record.

Signature and marks

Edition-specific signature, numbering, and stamp details were not stated in the saved release record. Verify signing and numbering against a documented example of this edition.

Documented History and Meaning

History note: This page treats KAWS's broader career as background context, not proof that this specific edition belongs to any single exhibition or event. Release-level facts here come from a saved secondary catalog record.

Meaning / interpretation: No per-work artist statement is recorded for this edition. Any thematic reading should be treated as interpretation of the imagery, not a documented statement of the artist's intent. This interpretive note follows the cited artist or publisher context.

Release context: The saved catalog lists 2000. It is grouped under Chum Series in the saved record.

Authentication, Presentation and Provenance

Original presentation

Original packaging or presentation was not documented in the release sources reviewed.

Authentication note

Compare the support, dimensions, edition number, and signature against a documented example of this edition. Gauntlet Gallery does not authenticate works purchased from third parties.

Provenance note

Edition origin is attributed in the saved record to the release source named in the saved record. That does not establish the ownership history of an individual copy: retain the original invoice, reseller or gallery paperwork, labels, correspondence, and condition photographs.

Sources and Verification

Verification status: Secondary catalog snapshot; artist-level context added

1. KAWSONE — official site — KAWS studio · primary artist source · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Official artist site; career context, not an individual-edition record.
2. KAWS — Wikipedia · reference encyclopedia · Accessed 2026-07-13 · General artist-level biographical and career reference.
3. KAWS (Q3194367) — Wikidata · reference knowledge base · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Structured identifier used for the artist across catalog metadata.

FAQ

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