Have you heard about “KAWS” and wondered what exactly it is? I’m here to fill you in.
Brian Donnelly aka KAWS, is a contemporary based artist and designer who started as a graffiti artist in Brooklyn, New York. He began his artistry career graffitiing train cabs and walls around New York and then begun painting over big advertising billboards. After the billboards KAWS eventually moved into the city and gave the fashion and merchandising advertisements at the bus stops his own twist. He would pull the advertisements out from behind the glass, bring them home and paint over the corporate advertisements and later return them to their spot. This is where he began to establish himself as something more than just a graffiti artist.
After more and more people became aware of his artwork, KAWS moved into creating mini sculpture toys and holding his own galleries exhibitions. Over time, these little steps played a role in building a bigger audience and helped make what KAWS is today. Around the sculpture time was when his most iconic design was born; Companion. A spin off of Micky Mouse, the crossed out eyes on the face of the companion signifies KAWS’ popular trademark.
Over the years, KAWS has worked with Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Supreme New York, Air Jordan, Uniqlo and more to established himself as one of the best contemporary artists of our time. Check out the must see interview called the “Blueprint” by Complex Magazine as they interview the man behind the controlled chaos and explore how he went from spray painting trains to becoming one of the most recognizable faces of contemporary art.
