KAWS

KAWS (born Brian Donnelly in 1974) is an American artist known for blending street art, pop culture, and fine art. He began as a graffiti artist in New Jersey before studying illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York. Early in his career, he worked in animation, contributing to shows like Daria and Doug. KAWS gained attention in the late 1990s for altering advertising posters with his signature "XX" motif and cartoon-inspired characters.

His most iconic figure, Companion, debuted as a vinyl toy and evolved into large-scale sculptures and paintings shown in major museums and galleries worldwide. KAWS has collaborated with brands like Nike, Uniqlo, and Dior, and his work bridges the worlds of art, fashion, and design. His reinterpretations of pop culture figures, from The Simpsons to Mickey Mouse, are both playful and subtly melancholic. 

KAWS is a top name on the global art market. His painting The KAWS Album sold for over $14 million at Sotheby’s in 2019. His sculptures, paintings, and limited-edition prints regularly sell for six and seven figures at auction. His toys and collaborations are also highly sought-after by collectors and fans.