20 Fascinating Facts About KAWS – From Street Art Roots to Global Fame
Brian Donnelly – better known as KAWS – has gone from tagging rooftops in Jersey City to becoming one of the most visible and collectible contemporary artists in the world. Known for his bold, cartoon-inspired style and instantly recognizable “X” eyes, KAWS has left his mark on street culture, high art, and global pop culture.
Here are 20 facts – 10 well-known and 10 lesser-known – that paint a fuller picture of the artist, his work, and his influence.
Widely Known Facts
1. KAWS is the pseudonym of Brian Donnelly.
Born in 1974 in Jersey City, NJ, he studied illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York before working briefly as an animator for 1990s cartoons like Daria and Doug.
2. He began as a graffiti artist.
In the early 1990s, Donnelly tagged walls with “KAWS” – chosen purely because he liked how the letters looked – before moving to “subvertising” by altering billboards and bus shelter ads.
3. He created the iconic Companion figure.
In 1999, a Japanese toy company invited him to Tokyo, where he produced Companion, a vinyl figure that quickly became his signature character.
4. His signature is X-ed out eyes.
KAWS reimagines pop culture icons – from Mickey Mouse to The Simpsons – with cartoonish forms and the trademark XX eyes.
5. Social media has amplified his fame.
His style translates well online, with millions of Instagram posts tagged #kaws, making him one of the most visible artists alive.
6. Critics compare him to pop art and street art icons.
KAWS is often mentioned alongside Basquiat, Haring, Warhol, and Koons for his blend of street culture, mass production, and fine art.
7. Museums worldwide have exhibited his work.
From the Brooklyn Museum to the National Gallery of Victoria, KAWS has held major solo shows, including KAWS: WHAT PARTY in 2021.
8. He has collaborated with major fashion brands.
Partnerships include Dior, Supreme, A Bathing Ape, Nike, and his own label, OriginalFake.
9. His market spans affordable to elite.
UNIQLO T-shirts sell for under $50, while his paintings and sculptures sell for millions at auction.
10. He holds a multi-million-dollar auction record.
In 2019, The KAWS ALBUM sold for HK$115.9 million (about US $14.8 million) at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
Lesser-Known Facts
11. The name “KAWS” has no meaning.
He picked it as a teen for its visual appeal and even painted it on a rooftop visible from his high school.
12. He used a stolen billboard key for global street art.
KAWS swapped ad posters for his own paintings in cities from New York to Tokyo.
13. He co-founded the OriginalFake store in Tokyo.
From 2006–2013, it sold limited-edition toys, apparel, and art collectibles.
14. He redesigned the MTV Moonman statue.
For the 2013 VMAs, the astronaut became a Companion, complete with X eyes and crossbone ears.
15. He appeared on cereal boxes.
In 2021, KAWS designed limited-edition Reese’s Puffs boxes featuring his artwork.
16. He created plush-covered designer chairs.
A collaboration with the Campana Brothers resulted in whimsical armchairs upholstered with his plush dolls.
17. He designed a luxury watch.
Audemars Piguet released a Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon with a tiny 3D Companion figure on the dial.
18. He launched a global AR art show.
In 2020, Expanded Holiday placed virtual Companions in 12 cities, viewable through a phone app.
19. His character lineup goes beyond Companion.
Creations include Chum, Accomplice, Bendy, and “The Kimpsons” parody paintings.
20. He’s designed music album covers.
His work appears on Kanye West’s 808s & Heartbreak and albums by Clipse, Towa Tei, and Cherie.
From graffiti walls to museum halls, KAWS has redefined what it means to be a contemporary artist in the age of social media and global pop culture. His story is one of constant reinvention – and proof that art can live anywhere, from billboards to cereal boxes to luxury watches
