KAWS is a multi-disciplinary artist known for his iconic cartoon-like characters that bridge the gap between fine art and popular culture. He has created a wide range of products including toys, clothing, prints, and sculptures.
- KAWS was born in 1974 in Jersey City, New Jersey.
- He started his career as a graffiti artist and later studied illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York.
- In the late 1990s, he began creating his now-iconic pop art-inspired characters, which he used in his street art, as well as in paintings and sculptures.
- KAWS has collaborated with a number of high-profile brands, including Nike, Uniqlo, and Dior.
- His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia.
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KAWS' most well-known characters are his 'Companions'. These cartoon-like figures have crossed-out eyes and floppy limbs and have been reproduced in a wide range of products, including toys, clothing, and sculptures.
KAWS has collaborated with a number of fashion brands, including Uniqlo, Dior, and Nike, to create limited edition clothing.
KAWS has released a number of limited edition prints of his artwork, which are highly sought after by collectors.
KAWS' sculptures range from small vinyl figurines to large-scale installations. They often feature his Companion characters and are highly prized by collectors.
KAWS is the artist's pseudonym. It is a shortened version of 'Kause', which was his graffiti tag when he was starting out.
KAWS toys are highly sought after by collectors because of their limited availability and the artist's popularity. The prices reflect their rarity and demand.
KAWS' art often explores themes of isolation, alienation, and the blurred lines between high and low culture. He has said that he is interested in the idea of 'bending' things, such as turning cartoon characters into fine art.
As of 2021, KAWS' net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
KAWS products are available on his website, as well as through a number of high-end retailers and auction houses such as Christie's and Sotheby's.