Eye On The Arts: New Installation At 30th Street

By Pat Ciarrocchi

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A massive sculpture is stopping commuters in their tracks at 30th Street Station.

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts has staged an installation by the internationally acclaimed artist, KAWS, and it's causing quite a stir.

The piece is titled "Companion (Passing Through)."

It's sixteen feet tall, created of fiberglass and steel, and for everyone passing through the train station, it became picture worthy.

KAWS took the iconic Disney image of Mickey Mouse and incorporated a skull and crossbones into the shape of Mickey's head. The figure's head is in his hands -- covering his eyes, contemplating.

And that is something KAWS -- a Jersey native -- intended as part of his artistic expression.

"I feel like I can kind of relate to him," KAWS said. " Sometimes I think a lot of people might have that reaction as well. It's an overwhelming world."

For music producer Dilemma, who is a fan of KAWS' work, it's an inspiring piece.

"I think the statue is really amazing…very creative, really inspiring...just to show you where art and urban culture collides."

That collision is part of the KAWS commentary on corporate cultures. He believes it creates a dialogue.

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts will be hosting a KAWS exhibit in the fall. In the meantime, you can contemplate KAWS' "Companion (Passing Through) " at 30th Street Station through May 14th.