If you are someone who enjoys abstract art and paintings, you must be familiar with KAWS, a trendy designer celebrated for its distinctive blend of art, sophisticated humor, and thoughtful interplay.

KAWS, aka Brian Donnelly, born on November 4, 1974, in Jersey City, NJ, graduated with a BFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York. The talented designer initially ventured into animation before making a mark in the art world. The moniker "KAWS" stems from the shapes of the letters K, A, W, and S, forming the basis of his artistic identity. 

If you are eager to learn more about the influential world of KAWS, let us help you with that. Here are ten super exciting facts that will surely make you a fan of his art if you aren't already. 

Origin Of KAWS 

The origin of KAWS and the evolution of his brand are deeply rooted in the dynamic subculture of street graffiti. Brian Donnelly began his artistic journey as a street graffiti artist in the early 1990s. 

He went from the streets to the canvas and redirected his passion for art oil painting. KAWS's unique approach involved hijacking ads and posters and transforming them into interesting pieces that carried his distinctive artistic identity. His initial foray into graffiti featured a play with different monster figures, particularly on advertising posters, capturing the attention of major brands.

KAWS's interest in Japanese art and culture, notably during his time in Tokyo, exposed him to influential figures like Takashi Murakami and Nigo. This exposure led to a series of package paintings and marked the inception of KAWS's venture into toy manufacturing with Medicom. 

From the origins of graffiti on the streets to acclaimed gallery exhibitions and collaborations with renowned brands, the KAWS artwork has evolved into a brand synonymous with artistic innovation, cultural resonance, and a unique blend of high and popular culture.

KAWS Is Not His Real Name

The intriguing aspect that KAWS is not his real name adds a layer of artistic persona to the identity of Brian Donnelly. He chose to adopt the moniker "KAWS" as he entertained the world of street art and graffiti. This decision to operate under a pseudonym is a common practice among graffiti artists to stay anonymous and allow for a distinct separation between their artistic personas and personal lives.

KAWS Started As A Graffiti Artist

Brian Donnelly was inspired by childhood encounters with neighborhood graffiti that made him start his journey as this artist. He was influenced by painters like Gerhard Richter, Klaus Oldenberg, and Chuck Close. KAWS developed a distinct style characterized by his Skully icon—a pirate skull with crossbones for eyes. In the 1990s, immersed in graffiti culture and skateboarding, he roamed the streets of his town, claiming advertising campaigns by graffitiing his name on posters and evolving into more complex figures.

However, KAW's art transcended mere tagging; he added the Skully icon to major brands like Dior, Calvin Klein, Chanel, and Diesel, subverting conventional advertising messages. The introduction of the Bendy character, a skull intertwining with the limbs of models, added layers of meaning, juxtaposing desire, beauty, and wealth with the stark imagery of death. 

Inspired From Pop Culture

One can observe the pervasive impact of pop culture throughout KAWS's oeuvre. His reimagining of iconic Disney characters, informed by his background painting for popular Disney shows, depicts his connection to popular culture. 

Transforming beloved figures like Mickey Mouse into almost extraterrestrial beings, KAWS has challenged norms. A prime example is Companion, characterized by exaggerated features, from a massive belly to oversized hands, fetching a remarkable 411,000 USD at a UK auction. KAWS's art not only pays homage to pop culture but reshapes it, creating a visual language that resonates globally and transcends traditional artistic boundaries.

KAWS Worked For “101 Dalmatians”

Brian lent his artistic talents to iconic and beloved productions such as "101 Dalmatians," "Daria," and "Doug." KAWS's early experiences in animation continue to make his distinct artistic style famous, showcasing the lasting impact of his work on iconic animated classics.

Sculptural Artworks

KAWS's artwork journey extends beyond traditional canvases. He has also been pretty successful with sculptural artworks that have left an indelible mark on the contemporary art scene. One notable achievement is the sale of his artwork, "The KAWS Album," fetching a staggering $14.8 million. His adeptness in transforming iconic figures, as seen in his SpongeBob rendition titled "AGAIN AND AGAIN," contributed to his prominence, with the piece selling for 1.03 million GBP.

He even made a significant impact in the collectable domain, creating his first toy, 'COMPANION,' in collaboration with Bounty Hunter, which quickly sold out and became a recurring motif in his oeuvre.

The artist's success surged with a monumental 121-foot-long inflatable version of his iconic 'COMPANION' during the 2019 Art Basel in Hong Kong. This marked a key moment in KAWS's rise to fame, with his art realizing over $33.8 million at auctions in 2018.

Collaboration With Big Brands

KAWS has done some groundbreaking collaborations with iconic brands. Bathing Ape (BAPE) incorporated KAWS's distinct aesthetic into its apparel and accessories. The artist's influence extended to MTV, where he reimagined the iconic Moonman trophy by adding its signature KAWS features.

Other KAWS ventures include partnerships with Uniqlo, resulting in the 'KAWSification' of characters from Sesame Street and Peanuts cartoons. KAWS's collaboration with Kanye West for the album art of "808s & Heartbreak" 2008 showcased his versatility in the music industry. KAWS even collaborated with Air Jordan in 2017 to produce the Jordan 4 retro, featuring KAWS's recognizable double X eyes.

His reach expanded into unexpected territories, such as a collaboration with Reese's Puffs for a limited edition cereal, showcasing Companion floating in a bowl. High-end fashion entered the picture with Dior's spring/summer collection 2019, where KAWS's designs adorned apparel and signature dolls.

Social Media Influence

With over 4.5 million followers on Instagram, he has cultivated a massive online presence, sharing his latest creations and collaborations directly with his audience. 

His success on social media is evidenced by the staggering number of hashtag uses, surpassing 1.8 million on Instagram alone. This surpasses figures for renowned artists like Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst. 

Popularity And Controversy

KAWS's rise to popularity is a testament to his unconventional approach to art and ability to navigate a vast variety of mediums. His art, marked by iconic characters like the Chum, the Skully, and the Companion, has surpassed traditional boundaries and entered into everyday life. The artist's ironic Pop Shop, Original Fake, became a hub for KAWS merchandise, featuring his characters on T-shirts, sneakers, scarves, and more. 

The controversial aspect of KAWS's journey lies in criticisms of his work as soulless and symbolic of the corporatization of art. Critics also point to allegations of unoriginality, such as the claim that his 2005 work "The KAWS Album" was a traced interpretation of a Simpsons parody by comic book artist Bill Morrison.

Despite the controversy, KAWS has skillfully leveraged collaborations with renowned brands. While KAWS has faced criticism and questions about the commercialization of his art, his ability to maintain a dedicated fanbase and adapt to emerging trends underscores his impact on the art world. 

Global Impact And Legacy

The brand has left a  mark on the global art scene, showcasing his versatility across painting, murals, large-scale sculptures, and street art. His work is characterized by sophisticated humor and a seamless interplay with consumer products, evident through collaborations with renowned global brands. The artist's impact extends beyond traditional mediums, as his 3D creatures and figurines overshadow the line between artwork and consumer goods.

Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, he hosted an impressive virtual exhibition, "EXPANDED HOLIDAYS," in collaboration with Acute Art. With the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), the exhibition allowed users to experience KAWS's iconic Companion in 12 specific locations worldwide, from the Louvre in Paris to Times Square in New York. This innovative approach not only showcased KAWS's adaptability but also marked a significant contribution to the intersection of art and technology.

Wrapping Up 

With a career that began from street art and pop culture influences, KAWS has become a huge thing in the global art scene. His exhibitions, events, and sales attract a continually growing audience, solidifying his status as a world-renowned artist. The monumental retrospective exhibition at the National Gallery Victoria in Melbourne in 2020 and the planned exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum in 2021 showcase the enduring legacy of the brand. 

If you want to acquire super cool KAWS pieces, Origins NYC offers a curated collection that celebrates the vibrant and unconventional world of KAWS. So don't forget to check them out!