Renowned American street artist Brian Donnelly, better known as KAWS, has emerged as one of today’s most influential yet divisive figures in the art world. A pioneer of “subvertisements” in the 1990s, KAWS strategically painted cartoonish figures on Manhattan’s advertising displays, not as a critique of consumption but as a unique method to expand his audience.
Brian Donnelly, pictured here at his AGO exhibit in September, says, “My story is kind of hard to tell in just a museum space but I feel like it’s at least a seed planter that will kind of lead to people exploring more.”
In a career spanning 25 years, KAWS has skillfully navigated the intersections of mainstream culture, fashion, and traditional art, making him a prominent contemporary artist. This month, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) presents “KAWS: FAMILY,” offering a cross-section of his work, including murals, sketches, paintings, and sculptures.
Employing iconic figures from his youth, like Mickey Mouse, The Simpsons, and Grover, KAWS has defied conventional artistic boundaries. His signature creation, “Companion,” a melancholic reinterpretation of Mickey Mouse, has transcended various mediums, appearing in collaborations with Dior, Supreme, and Uniqlo, as well as in the digital realm through Augmented Reality and the Fortnite video game.
Drawing comparisons to art giants Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons, KAWS sees himself in the lineage of graphic artists like Rick Griffin and Raymond Pettibon. Critics, however, debate whether KAWS is an interesting artist, with some questioning the depth of his work.
For AGO, showcasing KAWS represents an experimental approach to understanding its evolving audience. Julian Cox, AGO’s deputy director and chief curator, views the exhibition as part of a broader effort to operate more experimentally in response to changing museum dynamics.
“KAWS: FAMILY” features 75 works, offering a comprehensive view of KAWS’s artistic evolution. Despite his popularity on social media, KAWS sees the museum exhibition as an opportunity to connect with audiences beyond the digital realm. He aims to plant seeds that encourage people to explore art beyond the confines of online platforms.
Critics often focus on the market aspects of KAWS’s work, but he remains unfazed, emphasizing the universal relatability of his art. Through cartoonish pop cultural figures, KAWS seeks to create a bridge between people and art, making his work accessible and meaningful to diverse audiences.
The AGO’s decision to present KAWS aligns with a series of pop-art exhibitions, following a Warhol retrospective in 2021 and preceding the touring exhibition “Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody.” Critics caution against grouping KAWS with other artists, highlighting his fundamentally conservative approach focused on aesthetics.
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In response, KAWS remains steadfast, asserting that debates over the definition of art do not concern him. Instead, he sees his exhibition as an opportunity for institutions to explore global cultural movements and connect with a broad audience.
“KAWS: FAMILY” is set to run at the Art Gallery of Ontario from September 27, 2023, to March 31, 2024, promising an exploration of KAWS’s impact on the intersection of art and pop culture.
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