KAWS American, b. 1974

KAWS, whose real name is Brian Donnelly, is an American contemporary artist born in 1974 in Jersey City. After studying illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York, KAWS gained recognition in the 1990s for his interventions on advertising posters, which he covered with his iconic characters with crossed-out eyes. Influenced by graffiti, street art, and popular culture, KAWS has developed a unique visual universe, populated by iconic characters such as Companion, Chum, or BFF. His works, which blend painting, sculpture, and merchandise, question the boundary between art and commerce while celebrating urban culture and the power of images. From galleries to collaborations with brands like Nike, Uniqlo, or Dior, KAWS has won a wide audience thanks to his accessible and playful aesthetic. His monumental sculptures, exhibited in public spaces around the world, from Hong Kong to New York and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, testify to his international popularity. With his colorful and mischievous works, KAWS has succeeded in creating a universal visual language that transcends cultural and generational boundaries, making him one of the most influential artists of his generation.