KAWS

Brian Donnelly (born November 4, 1974), known professionally as KAWS, is an American artist and designer whose work centers on repeated use of a cast of figurative characters and motifs, some dating back to the beginning of his career in the 1990s. He initially painted these figures in 2D and later realized in 3D. Some of his characters are his own creations while others are reworked versions of existing icons.

KAWS' sculptures range in size from a few inches to ten meters tall, and are made from various materials including fiberglass, aluminum, wood, bronze, gold and a steel pontoon inflatable raft.

KAWS has been compared to Andy Warhol for his cross-market appeal and ability to blur lines between commercial and fine art. His work is exhibited in galleries and museums, held in the permanent collections of public institutions, and avidly collected by individuals including music producer Swizz Beatz, youtuber PewDiePie, rappers Pharrell Williams, Kid Cudi, and members of South Korean group BTS. Several books have been published illustrating his work.

Based in Brooklyn, New York, KAWS divides his practice between sculptures, acrylic paintings on canvas, and screen prints alongside commercial collaboration, that span limited-edition toys, clothing, skateboard decks, and other products. He is represented by Skarstedt Gallery, New York.