KAWS is one of today’s most prominent artists. His work ranges from large-scale paintings and sculptures to collectible figurines and fashion collaborations. The KAWS x Air Jordan IV Retros collaboration was released in 2017 in KAWS gray. The uppers are emblazoned with KAWS’ distinctive motifs, including his XX signature writ large on the heel tab. The soles are unexpectedly made to glow-in-the-dark and feature KAWS’ cartoon gloved hands. The box, in sleek black, also features signature KAWS graphics.
American • 1974
To understand the work of KAWS is to understand his roots in the skateboard and graffiti crews of New York City. Brian Donnelly chose KAWS as his moniker to tag city streets beginning in the 1990s, and quickly became a celebrated standout in the scene. Having swapped spray paint for explorations in fine art spanning sculpture, painting and collage, KAWS has maintained a fascination with classic cartoons, including Garfield, SpongeBob SquarePants and The Simpsons, and reconfigured familiar subjects into a world of fantasy.
Perhaps he is most known for his larger-than-life fiberglass sculptures that supplant the body of Mickey Mouse onto KAWS' own imagined creatures, often with 'x'-ed out eyes or ultra-animated features. However, KAWS also works frequently in neon and vivid paint, adding animation and depth to contemporary paintings filled with approachable imagination. There is mass appeal to KAWS, who exhibits globally and most frequently in Asia, Europe and the United States.
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