Artist Spotlight – KAWS

Want to know more about the artists featured in our summer exhibition of Banksy and contemporary art? Read on for a spotlight on animator and artist, KAWS.

KAWS, born Brian Donnelly in New Jersey, is an animator and artist known for his distinctive blend of street art, pop culture, and fine art.

After studying illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, KAWS gained recognition by leaving his artistic mark on the urban landscape, employing billboards, bus shelters, and walls as his canvas.

His breakthrough came in the late 1990s when he started appropriating and reinterpreting pop culture imagery, creating his clown-like character, the “Companion”, based on Mickey Mouse. With Xs for eyes and gloved hands, it challenged conventional definitions of art and soon gained a cult following.

KAWS expanded his creative ventures into toy design, collaborating with renowned brands like Medicom Toy and creating limited-edition collectible vinyl figures. His work has been showcased in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide, while collaborations with Nike, Dior, and Uniqlo have solidified his influence beyond the art world.

KAWS continues to inspire a new generation of artists with his vibrant and thought-provoking creations, constantly pushing artistic boundaries and reminding us of the enduring power of creativity.