Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Artist Kaws Biography
Brian Donnelly, professionally known as KAWS, is an American artist and designer whose work spans the realms of graffiti, pop art, and sculpture, blurring the boundaries between fine art and mainstream culture. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1974, KAWS grew up in a world where graffiti was a prominent form of self-expression. From an early age, he was fascinated by the visual language of the streets, which would later become a significant influence on his artistic career.
KAWS's journey into the art world began in earnest when he moved to New York City in the early 1990s to attend the School of Visual Arts (SVA). There, he obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration in 1996. This formal education provided him with a foundation in traditional art techniques, but it was the vibrant street culture of New York that truly captured his imagination. During his time at SVA, KAWS started experimenting with graffiti, tagging buildings across the city with his now-iconic moniker.
After graduating from SVA, KAWS embarked on a brief stint as a freelance animator for Jumbo Pictures, where he contributed to the creation of backgrounds for popular animated series such as "101 Dalmatians," "Daria," and "Doug." This experience in animation would later influence his approach to creating his distinctive characters and narratives within his artwork.
In the late 1990s, KAWS began to gain notoriety for his subversive approach to public advertisements. Armed with a skeleton key gifted to him by fellow artist Barry McGee, KAWS would access and modify bus shelter ads, phone booth advertisements, and billboards across the city. By incorporating his own imagery—often featuring his signature characters with crossed-out eyes—into these commercial spaces, KAWS blurred the lines between advertising and art, challenging viewers to reconsider the visual landscape of their everyday lives.
KAWS's work quickly evolved from street art to a more diverse array of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and product design. His characters, such as Companion, Chum, and BFF, draw inspiration from iconic pop culture figures and are rendered in a style that is both playful and melancholic. These characters have appeared in various forms, from vinyl toys and large-scale sculptures to acrylic paintings and screen prints, making KAWS's work accessible to a broad audience.
Throughout his career, KAWS has collaborated with numerous brands and artists, further expanding his influence beyond the traditional art world. Notable collaborations include projects with Nike, Uniqlo, and Dior, as well as music album covers for artists like Kanye West. These partnerships have allowed KAWS to reach a global audience, cementing his status as a cultural icon.
KAWS's work has been exhibited in prestigious museums and galleries worldwide, including solo exhibitions at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Brooklyn Museum. His ability to navigate between commercial and fine art has sparked debates about the value and definition of art in the contemporary era.
Despite the commercial success and mainstream appeal of his work, KAWS remains committed to challenging artistic boundaries and engaging with themes of consumerism, isolation, and humanity. His unique blend of high and low culture, combined with his mastery of visual storytelling, has made KAWS one of the most influential and sought-after artists of his generation. As he continues to evolve and explore new creative territories, KAWS's impact on the art world and popular culture is undeniable.
Artist Kaws Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be
informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
You can send us pictures of the work: