Famous for his signature limited-edition toys, paintings, sculptures and prints using a variety of media, Brian Donnelly, or KAWS as he is professionally known, is a celebrated artist and designer in the Western contemporary art world 

Born in 1974 in Jersey City, KAWS completed his BFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York His passion for graffiti developed early on, and during the 1990s, he refined his skills by tagging trains, walls, and billboards in Lower Manhattan As his expertise grew, he began subverting images on billboards, bus stops, and phone booths using his distinctive characters like 'The Companion,' 'Bendy,' and 'The Accomplice' He also worked as a freelance artist for Disney, where he contributed to the creation of animated backgrounds

During the late 1990s, KAWS ventured into designing and producing limited-edition vinyl toys, which swiftly gained international acclaim, especially in Japan His artistic prowess extended beyond toys as he delved into the world of fashion, collaborating with renowned brands and also lending his distinctive signature style to an array of items ranging from skateboards to perfume bottles, leaving an indelible mark on each creation 

KAWS' art prominently exhibits a distinct Pop Culture influence, evident in his whimsical cast of characters and motifs, notably recognized by their crossed-out eyes Among these characters, some are original creations, while others are reimagined iterations of beloved pop culture figures like the Michelin Man, The Simpsons, and Mickey Mouse This fusion of iconic references with his unique artistic style contributes to the unmistakable essence of KAWS' work

The artist is also famous for his giant, larger-than-life sculptures that have an undeniable presence, evoking a sense of wonder and awe Several of these are inspired by three of the artist’s most recognisable figures, Chum, Companion, and Bendy 

Exhibiting astonishing levels of detail, intricately adorned with captivating textures and patterns, these sculptures with endearing humanoid forms at first appear to be innocent as children’s toys However, often rendered in dejected and disappointed poses, they also mirror the quotidian dissonance of life and consumer culture  The artist uses different materials like bronze, fibreglass, aluminium, wood, as well as fibreglass or vinyl, to further enhance their lifelike essence These monumental forms, widely renowned among art enthusiasts, have become as widespread in popularity as they have in scale Many of KAWS’ sculptures are permanent installations at museums and public spaces These giant sculptures go beyond being just artistic creations and expand to immersive experiences that redefine the possibilities of contemporary art

The artist lives and works in New Jersey