Brian Donnelly, professionally known as Kaws (stylized as KAWS), is an American artist and designer whose vibrant and eclectic body of work has captivated audiences worldwide. Born on November 4, 1974, Kaws has masterfully blended elements of traditional high art with popular culture, creating a unique visual language that resonates across diverse markets. Since the 1990s, he has developed a distinct repertoire of figurative characters and motifs, some original and others reimagined from existing icons, transitioning from 2D paintings to monumental 3D sculptures made from materials such as fiberglass, aluminum, and bronze. Drawing inspiration from artists like Gerhard Richter and Andy Warhol, Kaws's work spans galleries, museums, and private collections, admired by notable figures including Pharrell Williams and members of BTS. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Kaws continues to innovate, producing acrylic paintings, screen prints, and commercial collaborations that further cement his status as a contemporary art icon.
Artist Biography: KAWS
KAWS, born Brian Donnelly in 1974 in Jersey City, NJ, is a prominent American artist and designer celebrated for his limited-edition toys and clothing, as well as his expansive body of work in contemporary art. Donnelly's artistic journey began in elementary school, where he developed an interest in graffiti, initially inspired by local children who painted graffiti images on neighborhood walls. As he matured, his influences expanded to include traditional life painters such as Gerhard Richter, Claes Oldenburg, and Chuck Close. KAWS's career took root in New York City during the early 1990s, where he became known for his graffiti art on billboards, bus stops, and phone booths. After earning a BFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York in 1996, he worked as a freelance artist for Disney, contributing to popular shows like 101 Dalmatians, Daria, and Doug. His unique graffiti style soon gained popularity, leading to international travel for his art, including projects in Paris, London, Germany, and Japan. In 1998, he was awarded the Pernod Liquid Art Award, recognizing his emerging influence in the art world.
In the late 1990s, KAWS ventured into designing limited-edition toys, which garnered significant popularity, particularly in Japan. Collaborations with notable figures like Nigo for A Bathing Ape and the redesigns of iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse and SpongeBob SquarePants solidified his reputation. KAWS's solo exhibitions have been showcased at esteemed venues, including The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art in Ridgefield, CT, the Harris Museum in Preston, UK, and the Parco Gallery in Tokyo, Japan. His notable work, Wonderful World, featured at the Bape Gallery in Tokyo, sold for US$400,000, highlighting his commercial success. KAWS's influence extends beyond traditional art exhibitions; his traveling exhibition, Beautiful Losers, toured throughout Europe and the United States, with a notable stop at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, GA. His work, spanning a variety of media and commercial collaborations, continues to captivate global audiences.
Since his first vinyl toy collaboration with Bounty Hunter in 1999, KAWS has worked with numerous brands and artists across various mediums. He partnered with Nigo for A Bathing Ape and Medicom Toy, and co-ran OriginalFake in Aoyama from 2006 to 2013. His collaborations span fashion with Undercover, Burton, Vans, Supreme, and Nike, to beverage designs for Dos Equis and Hennessy. KAWS has also ventured into music, creating cover art for Kanye West and Clipse, and redesigned the MTV Moonman trophy in 2013. His ongoing relationship with Uniqlo has produced popular lines of T-shirts and toys. More recently, he has worked with Fortnite, Travis Scott, BTS's J-Hope, and the Brooklyn Nets, among others. Currently based in Brooklyn, NY, KAWS remains an influential figure in contemporary art, pushing the boundaries between fine art and global commerce with his innovative creations.
KAWS's Bearbrick 1000% -1
KAWS, Bearbrick 1000% -1. Sculpture, 71cm x 35cm.
The Bearbrick 1000% -1 by KAWS is a distinctive sculpture showcasing one of the artist's iconic characters rendered in a striking blue hue. Standing at a smaller size, this sculpture exemplifies KAWS's mastery in creating three-dimensional forms that blend elements of pop culture with a unique artistic vision. The character, with its characteristic stylized features and graphic simplicity, invites viewers into KAWS's world where familiar figures are reimagined in a contemporary context. Through techniques such as direct carving or modeling, KAWS brings his character to life, embodying his signature style that bridges the gap between fine art and popular culture.
Iconic Artworks
KAWS's iconic artwork is characterized by the recurring use of universally recognizable characters and motifs, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. Among his most famous creations is "Companion," a grayscale, clown-like figure reminiscent of Mickey Mouse, notable for its face covered by both hands and bones protruding from its head. First produced as a vinyl toy by the Japanese company Bounty Hunter in 1999, "Companion" has since been adapted into various forms, including a balloon for the 2012 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and oversized sculptures exhibited globally in locations such as Switzerland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Málaga, London, and China. KAWS's work also includes The Kimpsons, a subversive take on the American cartoon "The Simpsons," and other characters like "Accomplice," "Chum," and "Bendy." His distinctive style, marked by bold colors, graphic lines, and the repeated use of "X" motifs on hands, noses, eyes, and ears, deconstructs pop culture icons into abstract forms in his paintings. Significant exhibitions of his work have been held at Colette in Paris, the traveling exhibition Beautiful Losers, and various museums worldwide, including the Espacio SOLO museum in Madrid, which features his Companion (Resting place) as a permanent exhibit.
Exhibition History and Art Market
KAWS's exhibition history spans over two decades, showcasing his work globally. In 1999, he held a solo exhibition at Colette in Paris, France. He continued with solo exhibitions such as "Original Fake" at BAPE Gallery, Tokyo in 2003, and multiple exhibitions in 2004, including Palazzo Dell’Arte in Milan and the USF Contemporary Art Museum in Tampa. His work appeared in "Beautiful Losers" from 2004-2008, a traveling exhibition curated by Aaron Rose & Christian Strike. In 2008, he exhibited at Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin, Miami. By 2009, he had solo exhibitions at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston, and Honor Fraser, Los Angeles. The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art featured him in 2010, followed by "FOCUS: KAWS" at The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth in 2011. In 2012, his work was displayed at Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin and The High Museum of Art, Atlanta. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art hosted his exhibitions in 2013. His work was featured in "This is Not a Toy" at the Design Exchange, Toronto, in 2014. Notable exhibitions in 2015 included "Along the Way" at the Brooklyn Museum and "Clean Slate" in Shanghai. In 2016, his solo exhibitions "Where The End Starts" were held at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and Yuz Museum, Shanghai, with another solo at Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
KAWS has made significant strides in the art market, achieving remarkable auction results. In May 2017, UK auction house Phillips sold his bronze sculpture Seated Companion (2011) for approximately $411,000. This sale marked a notable moment in his market presence. On April 1, 2019, KAWS set a new auction record at Sotheby's in Hong Kong when his painting The Kaws Album (2005), commissioned by Nigo, sold for 115.9 million Hong Kong dollars, equivalent to about $14.7 million U.S. dollars. This sale underscored his growing prominence and demand in the contemporary art market.
Having faced controversy and criticism throughout his career, KAWS encountered accusations of plagiarism from comic artist Bill Morrison for his 2005 work "The Kaws Album," which Morrison alleged was a traced interpretation of his own Simpsons Yellow Album. Critics such as Anny Shaw have further argued that KAWS's creations lack conceptual depth and remain grounded in his street art origins, suggesting they prioritize appeal to billionaire collectors over cultural significance. Despite these challenges, KAWS has profoundly influenced popular culture since the 1990s, blurring boundaries between fine art, fashion, and commercial design. His collaborations with prestigious brands like Dior and Supreme, alongside partnerships with consumer goods giants like Hennessy, have broadened his reach and attracted a diverse following of collectors and enthusiasts. Despite mixed reactions within the art world, KAWS's work endures for its ability to democratize art and resonate with a wide spectrum of audiences.
Brian Donnelly, known by his moniker KAWS, stands as a pivotal figure in contemporary art and design, seamlessly blending elements of high art with popular culture since the 1990s. Born from a background in graffiti, his journey has evolved into a diverse portfolio spanning acrylic paintings, sculptures, and commercial collaborations that redefine artistic boundaries. Through iconic characters, KAWS has challenged conventions, sparking both admiration and debate in the art world. His influence extends beyond galleries, with monumental sculptures exhibited globally and record-breaking auction sales underscoring his market impact. Embraced by global icons from Pharrell Williams to BTS, KAWS's legacy continues to evolve, bridging the gap between art and commerce while maintaining a steadfast commitment to innovation and cultural relevance.
Selena Mattei
