In the last two and a half decades, the art landscape has undergone a monumental shift. The notoriety and fame that a new generation of artists has achieved, both in the realm of fine art and popular culture, seems unprecedented. Looking back, figures such as Keith Haring, Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat outlined a path for what was to come in the 1990s and into the 21st century. But, among them, KAWS is perhaps the artist who has been able to move in his own universe, creating an unparalleled trajectory that defies traditional categorizations.
Brian Donnelly, better known as KAWS, has redefined contemporary art in a way that few others have. From his beginnings in graffiti, through the creation of collectible toys and his foray into the fashion world, to monumental public installations in cities such as Los Angeles, Shanghai and Seoul, KAWS has managed to blur the lines between high art and mass culture.
The Japan Connection: The Cultural Impact
A crucial part of KAWS' success is tied to its relationship with Japan. Donnelly recalls how his early trips to Japan, before the advent of social media, connected him to a culture that was revolutionizing streetwear and design. Japan not only offered KAWS the opportunity to collaborate with iconic brands like BAPE, but also allowed him to experience a genuine and curious form of creativity. KAWS notes that the gallery scene in Tokyo in the 1990s was not as active as in New York, but the focus on fashion, toys and graphic design was unparalleled. Japan represented a place where authenticity and artistic integrity were paramount.
Streetwear and street art were at their peak, and through connections with New York artists such as STASH and FUTURA, KAWS immersed himself in this vibrant world, collaborating with figures such as Nigo, the founder of BAPE. It was in this environment that KAWS began to forge his artistic identity, creating works that transcended the traditional boundaries of graffiti and gallery art.
In retrospect, KAWS' relationship with Japan marked a turning point in her career. Over the years, she has frequently returned to the country to exhibit in galleries and collaborate on projects that continue to resonate at the intersection of art and fashion. For KAWS, Japan remains a place of inspiration, a space where creativity flows naturally, away from the overexposure and pressures of today's hyper-connected world.
The Beginning of Graffiti and the Search for an Identity
KAWS admits that his foray into art began as a way to navigate a world in which he found no other inspiration. He grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey, a place that, while close to New York, provided him with a unique perspective on urban art. Graffiti not only allowed him to express himself, but also offered him a global community that shared a common passion.
One of the most interesting features of his career is how KAWS has avoided being pigeonholed into a specific category. Over the years, he has been labelled as a graffiti artist, a toy designer, a pop art creator, but he rejects all those labels. ‘I don't accept those things,’ he says firmly. KAWS believes that those who pigeonhole him are not really looking at his work, but only seeking to lump him into a broader, more superficial category. This has allowed him to constantly evolve, without compromising his artistic vision or creative freedom.
From the Street to the Studio: The Making of an Artist
After graduating from the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York, KAWS began working in animation for studios such as Disney. Although he had no particular interest in animation, this job provided him with an income while he was able to pursue his true passion: painting. The time at SVA was pivotal for KAWS, as it was the first time he experienced a serious art education. Prior to that, his training had been more self-taught and experimental, influenced mainly by his involvement in the graffiti scene.
Throughout the 1990s, while working in animation, KAWS continued to paint in the streets, creating his now famous series of interventions on public telephone advertisements. This project, which began in New York, allowed him to experiment with superimposing art over commercial advertising, a veiled critique of the pervasiveness of commercial messages in urban life. These early works on the streets of New York were a hint of what was to come later in his career: a fusion of art, commerce and pop culture.
Global Expansion: Partnerships and Cultural Impact
One of the highlights of KAWS' career has been his ability to collaborate with brands and projects that span different industries. From his early vinyl toys in collaboration with Medicom Toy in Japan to his more recent collaborations with Uniqlo and Dior, KAWS has managed to democratise art in a way that few other contemporary artists have managed to do. These projects have allowed him to reach a mass audience, breaking down the traditional barriers that separate ‘fine’ art from ‘commercial’ art.
A clear example of his success in creating accessible art is his work with Uniqlo. In this collaboration, KAWS designed a series of t-shirts and products that were sold at affordable prices, allowing people all over the world to own a piece of his art. This is something KAWS has always wanted to do, according to KAWS: create products that are accessible to everyone, without sacrificing quality or artistic integrity.
At the same time, KAWS has not abandoned the world of high art. His monumental sculptures, such as those he has presented in Doha, Hong Kong and Seoul, show his ability to work on a large scale and create works that interact with public space in innovative ways. These sculptures, often depicting anthropomorphic figures with their characteristic ‘X’ in their eyes, have become iconic symbols that transcend cultural and geographical barriers.
The Importance of Social Networks and Collective Art
In an era dominated by social media, KAWS has been able to leverage these platforms to connect with his audience in a direct and authentic way. Through Instagram, he shares his creative process, his current projects and, perhaps most importantly, the works of other artists that inspire him. For KAWS, social media is not only a promotional tool, but also a way to demystify art and show that anyone can participate in it. ‘It's an open playing field,’ he says. ‘There's nothing to stop you from learning.’
This openness to the art world is also reflected in his growing personal art collection, which includes works by contemporary artists such as George Condo and Urs Fischer. By sharing his collection on social media, KAWS seeks to inspire others to explore the art world without the restrictions imposed by elitism or academicism.
The Continuity of an Evolving Career
KAWS has shown that it is possible to succeed in the art world without following traditional rules. His ability to move between different media, from painting to sculpture, toy design to commercial collaborations, has made him one of the most versatile and relevant artists of our time. Furthermore, his focus on maintaining a constant presence in the art world, both in renowned galleries and in more accessible projects, has ensured that his work remains relevant to a wide variety of audiences.
As KAWS continues his career, he continues to explore new forms of expression, without losing sight of his roots in graffiti and urban culture. With each project, whether it is a monumental sculpture or a collaboration with a global brand, KAWS reminds us that art can exist in multiple forms and contexts, and that true creativity knows no boundaries.
