Brian Donnelly, known professionally as KAWS, is an American artist and designer born on November 4, 1974, in Jersey City, New Jersey. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York City in 1996. Initially working as a freelance animator for shows like “101 Dalmatians,” “Daria,” and “Doug,” KAWS transitioned to street art in the 1990s, gaining recognition for his distinctive graffiti style.
KAWS’s art is characterized by recurring characters such as Companion, Accomplice and Chum, often depicted with “X” eyes and skull-like heads. These figures blend elements of pop culture icons with a unique, playful aesthetic. His work spans various mediums, including paintings, sculptures, toys, and merchandise, reflecting a fusion of fine and commercial art.
Beyond traditional art spaces, KAWS has collaborated with brands like Nike, Uniqlo, and Dior, producing limited-edition products that have broadened his appeal. Notably, his 2005 work “The KAWS Album,” featuring characters from “The Simpsons” with his signature “X” eyes, sold at auction for a record $14.8 million in 2019.
In 2021, the Brooklyn Museum hosted “KAWS: WHAT PARTY,” a retrospective of his 25-year career, highlighting his evolution from graffiti artist to a prominent figure in contemporary art. KAWS currently resides and works in Brooklyn, New York, continuing to influence both the art world and popular culture.
