Born on April 11, 1974 in Jersey City, New Jersey, Brian Donnelly, known professionally as Kaws, discovered his passion for art at a young age. Growing up in a diverse community, he was exposed to a variety of artistic styles and mediums that would later influence his own work.
After graduating from high school, Kaws attended the prestigious School of Visual Arts in New York City. There, he studied Fine Arts with a focus on illustration, honing his skills and developing his unique artistic voice. In 1996, he landed a job as an animator at Jumbo Pictures, where he worked on beloved animated shows such as 101 Dalmatians, Daria, and Doug.
It wasn't long before Kaws gained recognition for his distinctive style that merged graffiti with fine art, design, and commerce. His collaborations with Japanese toymakers catapulted him into the spotlight, with his limited edition toys becoming highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Alongside his sculptures, acrylic paintings on canvas, and screen prints, Kaws also delved into commercial projects, designing magazine covers for publications like The New Yorker and i-D.
Kaws's impressive portfolio of commercial collaborations includes partnerships with Reese's Puffs Cereal and musician John Mayer, for whom he designed a collection of guitar picks. Additionally, his work caught the attention of rapper Kanye West, leading to Kaws designing the cover of West's 2008 album, 808's & Heartbreak.
Despite his growing fame and success, Kaws remains grounded in his personal life. He has been happily married to Julia Chiang, a fellow artist who shares his passion for creativity. Together, they support each other's artistic endeavors and continue to inspire one another on their respective journeys.
As one of the most influential artists of his generation, Kaws has left an indelible mark on the art world. His seamless fusion of street art and high art has redefined the boundaries of contemporary art, inspiring a new generation of artists to push the limits of creativity. With his innovative approach and dedication to his craft, Kaws continues to captivate audiences with his thought-provoking creations.
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