kaws

KAWS, the professional moniker of American artist Brian Donnelly, emerged from the Jersey City graffiti scene in the 1990s. After graduating from the School of Visual Arts in 1996, Donnelly began subverting billboard and bus shelter advertisements in New York City, developing his signature 'XX' eyes and skull-and-crossbones motifs. This early work laid the foundation for a career that blurs the lines between fine art, commercial product, and pop culture. His breakthrough came in the late '90s with the creation of limited-edition vinyl toys, most notably the 'Companion,' a melancholic, clown-like figure inspired by Mickey Mouse that has become his most recognizable character.

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