Kaws, a 360 artist
In the late 1990s, KAWS experienced new popularity and new opportunities. Jack-of-all-trades and a true enthusiast, he was interested in streetwear and subsequently designed toys and clothing for the biggest brands such as Original Fake, A Bathing Ape, Undercover, Kung Faux, Nike, Vans or Comme boys. In the early 2000s, he continued his hobby and recreated numerous television shows and cartoon characters such as The Simpsons, The Smurfs, SpongeBob and the Michelin Man.
KAWS then turns to acrylic painting and sculpture. His most famous creation is that of the character called "Companion". We can clearly see that he was inspired by Mickey Mouse to make this "Companion" and decorated his face with bones. He was also asked to design and produce limited edition figurines. These toys have become real collector's items, decoration all over the world, especially in Japan which is a country of toy and figurine enthusiasts.
We also found this famous "Companion" in an illustration of the album Deluxe 808s & Heartbreak by Kanye West, because yes, KAWS has also worked with rappers. The variety and unique style of his work allow him to exhibit his art in some of the finest galleries in the world. All of his works currently make him one of the most talented contemporary artists of his time.
His characters with stylized skulls have already toured the world, from giant installations to derivative products. After a 25-year career, the American artist Kaws has finally made his way to museums such as the Brooklyn Museum, the Aldridge Museum of Contemporary Art in Ridgefield, the Parco Gallery in Tokyo, or the Bape Gallery, where he sold a coin worth more than $400,000. Now 46, the former graffiti artist has become a world-renowned painter, sculptor and visual artist.