KAWS, real name Brian Donnelly, is a New York-based pop artist and designer known for his signature limited edition vinyl toys. His work includes repeated use of a cast of figurative characters and motifs, some dating back to the beginning of his career in the 1990s, initially painted in 2D and later realized in 3D. Some of his characters are his own creations while others are reworked versions of existing icons. Kaws has been compared to the likes of 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 various top celebrities. He’s also known for his extensive list of collaborations with the world’s most recognizable brands and names.
Moving to New York City in the 1990s, graffiti was KAWS’ gateway into pop art. Animator by day, and graffiti artist by night, Kaws started subvertising billboards, bus shelters, and phone booths. KAWS’ graffiti soon began popping up everywhere, including Paris, London, Berlin, and Tokyo.
Now, KAWS is arguably the world’s trendiest artist, and a collaboration favorite amongst top fashion labels and A-list celebrities. Notable collaborations with Dior, Nike, Comme des Garçon, Pharrell, Kid Cudi, and Travis Scott make KAWS one of the most desirable collaborators on the art scene.
In 2019, Paris Fashion Week saw Dior designer Kim Jones debut his Spring/Summer 2019 collection with a KAWS interpretation of the fashion house’s iconic bee design. Set against the backdrop of a 33-ft tall pink flower sculpture of KAWS’s ‘BFF character, reproduced as an editioned toy in a mini Dior suit—adorned with thousands of pink roses—models walked the catwalk carrying plush toy versions of the figure. Clad in Baby Dior suiting, these plush toys were also given as gifts for guests of the runway show—and celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Kim Kardashian, A$AP Rocky, and Bella Hadid all took photographs with the Elmo-like creatures.
KAWS also has a faithful fan-following of celebrity art collectors that sweep up his collectible art toys as soon as they hit shelves. The demand for KAWS figures and artworks continues to increase, making his works a great choice for investors looking to expand more into the contemporary art toy market.
After years in the industry, KAWS gained approval from his peers in the street art world and more recently prestige from the museum and gallery worlds. Today, his work can be found in the collections at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Rosenblum Collection in Paris. KAWS currently lives and works in Brooklyn, NY. The artist is also known for his large scale public installations, such as 2019’s KAWS: Holiday which was installed in the Hong Kong harbor during Basel Hong Kong. In 2019, THE KAWS ALBUM (2005) sold at auction for a record $14.8 million, breaking his previous record of $2.7 million which was set in 2018.
KAWS is also always at the forefront of the newest art technology. Recently, he expanded his artwork into the virtual reality space through his augmented reality exhibition that allows collectors to view and buy his artworks in various locations around the world. KAWS’ enthusiasm to be at the forefront of exciting art developments is a key reason to his continued and increased popularity and relevance.
So where can you buy KAWS Art Toys? Besides the official websites of artists, numerous auction houses, museum shops, Yang Gallery offers a variety of art toys available for you to purchase with confidence!
For art collection viewing, please contact us at +65 8389 1888
Yang Gallery Warmly welcome you to visit us for any of the latest original & art toys at: The Shopping Gallery Hilton #01-11 , 581 Orchard Road Singapore. info@yanggallery.com.sg / +65 8389 1888 / 6721 8888