195 - "KAWS," BRIAN DONNELLY (New Jersey, 1974)

"KAWS," BRIAN DONNELLY (New Jersey, 1974) “Franken Berry,” 2023. Vinyl. Comes with original box featuring a holographic seal. Signed and dated on the base of the feet. Measurements: 29 x 14 x 12 cm; 21 x 40 x 29 cm (box). American artist and designer Kaws is renowned for his distinctive body of work spanning several decades. His repertoire of characters and figurative motifs—some created by him and others reinterpreted from existing icons—has left a unique mark on the world of contemporary art. Kaws’ sculptures display an impressive diversity, ranging from tiny dimensions to imposing heights of ten meters. Crafted from materials including fiberglass, aluminum, wood, bronze, and even an ingenious inflatable steel pontoon raft, his creations are a fusion of technical innovation and artistic expression. Kaws’ work has earned a place in galleries and museums, as well as in the permanent collections of public institutions. Furthermore, it has captured the attention of passionate collectors, including music producer Swizz Beatz and renowned rapper Pharrell Williams. Numerous books have been published to illustrate and analyze his striking work. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Kaws not only creates sculptures but also explores other art forms, such as acrylic paintings on canvas and silkscreen prints. His influence extends to the commercial sphere, where he has primarily collaborated on the production of limited-edition toys, as well as the design of clothing, skateboards, and other products. Kaws’ distinctive style is characterized by a vibrant emphasis on color and line, as well as iconic graphics, such as the repeated inclusion of the “x” in hands and eyes. His work is also notable for its ingenious reappropriation of pop culture icons, such as Mickey Mouse, the Michelin Man, the Smurfs, Snoopy, and SpongeBob SquarePants. It comes in its original box with a holographic seal.