Kaws - Small Lie Black

ARTIST

In June 2022, New York Magazine chose the drawing of an iconic and contemporary author for its cover, to talk about cancellation culture and bullying in American schools: Kaws.

Thanks to hype culture, this artist has reached the highest heights in recent years and has become a symbol of pop culture.  

Born in New Jersey, in 1974, Kaws, then Brian Donnelly, began his career as a freelance graphic designer by day and graffiti artist by night. He would paint and modify every image he found on the street: billboards, bus shelters, leaving behind the stilyed drawing of a skull with an "X" over his eyes. His fans started a veritable hunt for the last piece of artwork. In 1999 “Companion” was born: a "Mickey Mouse/Skull", usually with the hands on the eyes and two bones protruding out from the head. In the same year, the Japanese company Bounty Hunter reproduced Companion as a vinyl toy. In 2012, a giant inflatable Companion took part at the Macy’s Day Parade. After two years, Kaws entered all auction houses with full rights.

Kaws is a transversal artist: his work are art, design, mass culture, fashion with brands like Nike and Dior. His story is one of talent, innovation and a unique vision that has allowed him to go from being a graffiti artist in New York to becoming a world phenomenon and capturing the collective imagination. Although his work has fetched staggering sums at international auctions, his artistic vision remains true to his roots and street culture. Challenging conventions and reinventing with each work, laws has established himself  as one of the boldest and most creative artists in the contemporary art world.