KAWS, born Brian Donnelly, is a New York-based artist born in Jersey City in 1974. Emerging from the graffiti scene, he blends references to pop culture icons like The Simpsons, The Smurfs, and SpongeBob SquarePants with the bold energy of urban painters, characterized by cross-eyed figures and pirate skulls. His iconic characters, including Chum, Accomplice, and Companion, are featured in toys, T-shirts, screenprints, and original artworks.

A graduate of the School of Visual Arts in 1996, KAWS briefly worked for Disney, contributing to projects like 101 Dalmatians. This experience significantly influenced his work, with distinct elements such as Mickey Mouse's body and Disney's characteristic hands appearing in his creations. KAWS started his career by prominently displaying his name in capital letters on the walls and posters of New York, often accompanied by his signature motif, the skully—a pirate skull with crossed bones forming ears. His reputation grew when he began diverting advertisements by covering faces with skulls and adding his distinctive touch in a subversive manner. This artistic act, known as "visual kidnapping," subverts consumer society icons, transforming objects of desire into strange, simultaneously morbid and suggestive figures.

Simultaneously, KAWS delved into the realm of art toys, producing figurines like Companion and Chum, featuring designs inspired by Mickey Mouse and the Michelin Man. These creations achieved immediate success among collectors.

Winner of the Pernod Prize in 1998, KAWS collaborated with renowned brands such as A Bathing Ape, Comme Des Garçons, Marc Jacobs, Vans, and Nike. His work has been exhibited in galleries and international shows, solidifying his status as an influential artist. His style, inspired by artistic figures like Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and Takashi Murakami, continues to wield a significant influence in the contemporary art world.

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