A follower of Andy Warhol, KAWS is one of the most innovative artists of our time. This versatile creator blurs the boundaries of conventional notions of art, using a language that resonates with a wide audience.
About the artist
Brian Donnelly, commonly known as KAWS, was born in 1974 in New Jersey. He chose his creative name as a teenager when he began working in street art. He attracted attention by tagging New York buildings with “KAWS” – a combination of letters devoid of direct meaning, but endowed with a vivid visual effect. Art journal writes about it according to Artsper.
KAWS interprets iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse, SpongeBob and Snoopy through the lens of his unique artistic style. His most iconic works, including the figures of the Companion (a character from the Mickey Mouse animated films), are original creations that often touch on themes of isolation, vulnerability and sentimentality. Using bright, saturated colors and crisp graphic shapes, he creates images that are reminiscent of the cartoons, yet graceful and sophisticated. His style invariably incorporates the distinctive details that have become his signature attributes: crossed-out eyes, skull motifs and crossed bones on the head, and expressive shapes in a cartoon-like manner. By exploring distorted but recognizable imagery, he forms an accessible and understandable language that resonates with a wide audience.
Undoubtedly, one of the main sources of inspiration for KAWS’ style was pop art and the work of Andy Warhol. He is rightly called Warhol’s follower, thanks to his ability to blur the line between advertising and art, as the famous master did. KAWS’ work raises issues of consumerism and mass culture while remaining within a commercial context. By transforming recognizable characters and iconic images from cartoons, he evokes a sense of nostalgia while questioning their commercial nature.
An outstanding work of art
KAWS draws inspiration from a multitude of art movements to create a diverse body of work. He shows himself as a painter, graffiti artist, sculptor, toy designer and creative concept artist. Some of his most famous creations are listed below.
1. Chum
This character is partially inspired by the image of Bibendum ( better known as “Mr. Michelin” ), the symbol of the Michelin tire brand. This interpretation retains the outline of Bib, but adds elements characteristic of KAWS: X-shaped eyes and a skull with crossed bones, reminiscent of the Companion, one of the artist’s most iconic figures. The estimated value of the piece is about $1,000.
2. Pinocchio
In this work, the artist demonstrates his original interpretation of Disney’s iconic work, the story of Pinocchio. The wooden boy is easily recognizable by his round belly, distinctive clothing and white gloves, but his image is enhanced by the Companion’s signature X-shaped eyes and skull. Upon their debut, these sculptures often sold out in minutes. When the Museum of Modern Art included the Pinocchio figures in its designer store, the museum’s website was repeatedly down due to the influx of customers.
3. SpongeBob
In this work, KAWS reimagined the image of SpongeBob, adapting it to his recognizable style and adding distinctive features. The piece eventually sold for an impressive $6 million dollars at a Philips auction held in New York in 2019.
4. Companion Holiday
In addition to paintings and vinyl figurines, KAWS creates large-scale sculptures and installations around the world. His grandiose works, such as Companion and BFF, can be found in various corners of the globe, fostering community engagement with art and strengthening social connections. For example, in March 2019, the 121-foot-long inflatable Companion appeared in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour as part of Art Basel, an important recognition of his work.
5. Collaboration with Uniqlo
KAWS has become a significant figure not only in the art world but also in the fashion industry through numerous collaborations with well-known luxury brands, haute couture houses and street style makers. These collaborations have made his brand more recognizable and introduced his iconic work to a wider audience interested in fashion. His first steps in this direction began with a collaboration with Supreme in 2002, followed by projects with giants such as Nike and Dior. Since 2016, he has been working extensively with Uniqlo, creating collections of clothing, accessories and toys with images of his famous Companion, available for under $50.
KAWS nowadays
The price of KAWS artwork can vary significantly depending on the category of the work, its uniqueness, size, and previous sales history. For example, in 2019, the work” In the Wood” (2002) was purchased at Christie’s auction in New York for $3,855,000. At the same time, the album KAWS (2005) reached an impressive $14, 8 million dollars. Overall, the market for KAWS works remains very buoyant and their value continues to increase, due to his popularity among contemporary art collectors and the younger generation.
