FTX Pay collaborates with popular artist KAWS to accept cryptocurrency payments for a ride on a giant hot air balloon

"KAWS:HOLIDAY" embarks on its sixth journey! The "KAWS:HOLIDAY" world tour, which began in 2018, has received great acclaim at every stop from Seoul to Taipei, Hong Kong, Japan, and now into space. In May 2021, KAWS once again collaborates with long-term partner and organizing unit AllRightsReserved, along with the official payment partner FTX Pay, to launch a new journey from space back to Earth. In this venture, KAWS transforms into a hot air balloon leading passengers to soar through the sky, marking the first "KAWS:HOLIDAY" hot air balloon project to accept cryptocurrency payments.

Who is KAWS?

Internationally renowned artist KAWS, real name Brian Donnelly, hails from the industrial southwest region of Brooklyn, New York, USA. He has held solo art exhibitions in various countries. KAWS developed an interest in street graffiti at a young age and began creating graffiti art in Manhattan in 1996. He became famous for his signature skull and XX eye patterns on advertising lightboxes, phone booths, and bus stations. KAWS's work has had a significant impact on contemporary visual culture and is highly acclaimed in Europe, the United States, Japan, and other regions. He repositions popular culture, everyday subjects, and imagery, creating a unique artistic charm that seamlessly blends design, commerce, street culture, and art. His works include large sculptures, paintings, street art, and merchandise design. KAWS has held exhibitions in various art museums around the world, including the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia, the Brooklyn Museum in New York, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth in Texas, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in the UK, and the Yuz Museum in Shanghai.

Set to Take Off in the Fourth Quarter of 2021

The "KAWS: HOLIDAY" hot air balloon world tour is now accepting reservations and is integrating the latest cryptocurrency payment methods supported by FTX Pay. The 42-meter-high "KAWS: HOLIDAY" hot air balloon has already ascended in Bristol, UK, and is currently open for applications. The hot air balloon world tour is set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of FTX, stated: "We are excited for FTX Pay to be part of the next leg of the 'KAWS: HOLIDAY' journey, allowing a new generation of cryptocurrency users and investors to enjoy this unique immersive art experience. We will continue to innovate and hope to bring people together through these unique experiences."