Kachamukku (2021) Sculpture by Kaws

Brian Donnelly, known professionally as Kaws, is a contemporary American artist and designer. With a career spanning over decades, his distinct aesthetic is characterized by the recurring use of figurative characters and motifs, a signature style that has evolved from 2D paintings to dynamic 3D sculptures.

Kaws's artistic repertoire boasts sculptures of varying scales, ranging from miniature pieces to towering structures standing ten meters tall. These sculptures, crafted from a diverse array of materials including fiberglass, aluminum, wood, bronze, and even steel pontoon inflatable rafts, exemplify his mastery of form and materiality.

Rooted in a rich tapestry of influences, Kaws draws inspiration from traditional high art painters such as Gerhard Richter, Claes Oldenburg, and Chuck Close. His ability to blend elements of popular culture with fine art has drawn comparisons to the legendary Andy Warhol, showcasing a cross-market appeal that transcends conventional boundaries.

His work is not only celebrated in galleries and museums but also held in the permanent collections of esteemed public institutions worldwide. Renowned individuals from diverse spheres, including music producer Swizz Beatz, internet personality PewDiePie, and rappers Pharrell Williams and Kid Cudi, as well as members of the influential South Korean group BTS, avidly collect Kaws's creations.

The artist's impact extends beyond traditional art mediums, with his collaborations spanning a wide spectrum of commercial ventures. From limited edition toys to clothing, skateboard decks, and various other products, Kaws's distinctive aesthetic has left an indelible mark on the world of design.

Since 1999, Kaws has been showcasing both his paintings and products at Colette in Paris, solidifying his global presence in the art and design scene. His work has been featured in prestigious exhibitions, including the traveling showcase Beautiful Losers, which made stops at prominent venues across the US and Europe, including a notable exhibition at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, GA in 2012.

In April 2019, Kaws made headlines at Sotheby's in Hong Kong when his painting, The Kaws Album (2005), commissioned by Nigo, fetched a staggering 115.9 million Hong Kong dollars, setting a new auction record for the artist and further cementing his status as a visionary in the art world.

In recent years, Espacio SOLO, Colección SOLO museum in Madrid, has showcased Kaws's monumental sculpture, Companion (Resting place), as part of its permanent exhibitions, further solidifying his enduring legacy as an artist whose influence knows no bounds.

Based in Brooklyn, New York, Kaws continues to push the boundaries of art and design, creating sculptures, acrylic paintings on canvas, and screen prints, while also engaging in commercial collaborations that showcase his unparalleled creativity and vision.

• Nationality: UNITED STATES
• Date of birth : 1974
• Artistic domains: Works by professional artists, Represented by a Gallery,
• Groups: Professional Artist Contemporary American Artists Artists presented by a gallery