KAWS Art for Sale: Originals, Prints, & Toys

"My first interest in graffitti came when I was in grammar school, around '87 or '88 I was about twelve years old. I didn't know much about writing, I just knew that I liked to write my name everywhere I could in my neighborhood."

American, b. 1974

Shrouded in mystery, KAWS (born Brian Donnelly in 1974, Jersey City, USA) is a street artist and designer who rose to fame through his playful subversion of pop culture icons. His artistic journey began on the streets, where he honed his skills under the tag KAWS. He targeted advertising billboards, hijacking familiar imagery with his signature characters.

KAWS' work is a captivating blend of animation, design, and social commentary. His characters, like the bug-eyed Companion with XX's for eyes and the skeletal Chum, often reference figures like Mickey Mouse and Snoopy. These familiar forms are transformed, critiquing consumerism and questioning innocence in a way that's both playful and poignant.

Today, KAWS stands as a leading figure in contemporary art. His ability to bridge the gap between street art and high culture, coupled with his subversive use of pop culture icons, continues to resonate with a global audience. His playful characters and bold designs spark conversation, challenging traditional perspectives on art and its place in modern society.