In today’s art world, KAWS stands out, always pushing and redefining boundaries. This mysterious artist blends fine art and popular culture through the use of visual language and iconic characters. You can see his latest work on display when you visit the Art Gallery of Ontario for free with Canoo!

In this blog, we will show you the art behind KAWS, exploring his background, evolution, and the profound impact he has had on the art scene.

Who is KAWS?

Born Brian Donnelly in 1974, KAWS comes from Jersey City, New Jersey. His artistic journey began in the 1990s with a foundation in graffiti, earning recognition for his approach to street art. The nickname “KAWS,” began in these early days and has since become one with a distinctive blend of art and pop culture.

Early works feature iconic characters, such as reinterpretations of Mickey Mouse. This popular symbol of Disney changed under KAWS’ skilled hands. The familiar features of the cheerful mouse were altered, with the addition of crossed-out eyes and longer limbs, removing the innocence associated with the character. This transformative touch extended to The Simpsons, the beloved animated family, and SpongeBob SquarePants, the adorable sponge from Bikini Bottom. KAWS’ ability to deconstruct and rebuild these cultural icons set the stage for a profound exploration of their meaning and cultural importance.

This connection to pop culture has kept KAWS closely tied to musicians, fashion lines, and well-known brands! You may even recognize a few, like Dior, Pharrell, Peanuts, NorthFace, Uniqlo, Sesame Street, and Nike.

KAWS art collaboration with Nike. — Credit: Jamaal Cooks

On Display at the AGO

KAWS: Family is currently on display at the Art Gallery of Ontario until March 2024. You can use Canoo to enter for free and see this spectacular collection!

The focal point of the exhibit is the larger-than-life painted bronze sculpture called FAMILY. This work of art shows four of KAWS’ frequently used figures, each in different sizes. They are posed as a nuclear family (two parents and two children) providing an insight into the artist’s story and artistic evolution.

You can even see some of the sculptures that are not on display at the AGO through augmented reality. Watch the video here to find out how!

The AGO’s exhibit provides an excellent opportunity for anyone to explore the captivating world of KAWS. With more than 75 works of art on display, including murals, drawings, paintings, and sculptures, the exhibit offers a range of artistic expressions that can engage art lovers of all ages.

For more information on the exhibit and to plan your visit to the AGO, click here.

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