How do artists explore feelings and emotions without or beyond language? Brooklyn-based artist @KAWS blurs the distinctions between pop culture and the human condition through his iconic use of the skull and crossbones mouse motif, relaying an acute sense of uncertainty in the modern world. The possibly inconsolable COMPANION (PASSING THROUGH) shows a movement towards the overtly emotional or empathic in KAWS’s work. See the sculpture in Freedom of Movement: Contemporary art and design from the NGV Collection, now showing at NGV International. Installation view of KAWS COMPANION (PASSING THROUGH) 2011 in Freedom of Movement: Contemporary Art and Design from the NGV Collection on display until 10 April 2023 at NGV International, Melbourne. © KAWS. Photo: @phamstapham