KAWS AND HIS CARTOON CREATURE ‘COMPANION’
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanNew York City is the city where dreams are meant to come true. If the key fits, the lock is opened and success is on the other side.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2012 may have meant the beginning of the holiday season to some, but to KAWS, this was years of ambition, drive and determination igniting into a fire that will now burn brightly for the entire world to enjoy and become a part of.
Not too long ago, a young artist in Jersey City decided that expression of self is best done through art. His name is Brian Donnelly and he grew accustomed to displaying his talented artwork on the sides of buildings in picture and paintings and creations of the mind larger than life. He briefly worked for Disney as a freelance animator painting background and contributed to the animated series ‘101 Dalmations’ and Daria and Doug.
To remain anonymous, Brian decided to go under the pseudonym of KAWS. Strangely enough, the only meaning that the name signified was a few letter combinations that Brian was partial to. In the 90’s, KAWS’ work was seen on bus stop ads and you knew that he had been there as he left his trademark – X’s were placed over characters’ eyes.
The mission had only just begun. This artistic talent was meant to expand and from there, KAWS began designing products and vinyl figures. He reminisced about childhood memories and from those thoughts, he painted his favorite cartoon characters for the enjoyment of young and old alike. Before he knew it, his paintings were well in demand and he was the talk of the local art world.
One of his very first character creations was ‘Companion’. Like the name, this adorable little character would stick by KAWS like his guardian angel.
Before he could blink an eye, lines wrapped around the block to buy his figures. His work graced album covers and his fans included the rich and famous including hip-hop star Pharrell Williams.
From the streets of Jersey City to the mansions of Miami, KAWS‘ artwork was gaining instant recognition. He lit up lives and brought out the inner child in all.
This set his world ablaze and KAWS became even more focused on a career and a passion that meant so much to him in the past, present and future. A 16-foot version of ‘Companion’ traveled across the globe and you can see it now if you happen to visit the Art Museum of Fort Worth in Texas.
‘Companion’ attracted the eye of none other than Amy Kule, Macy’s Executive Producer. Her one request which was a monumental step for KAWS was to have him design a balloon for the gigantic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This was a tradition that KAWS was honored to be asked to be a part of.
He spent the past year working on this project in his Brooklyn studio. All the way out in South Dakota, the 41-foot tall ‘Companion’ was being constructed so the balloon could ride high over the Manhattan skyline on Thursday, November 22nd, 2012. It was like a creation come to life right behind Papa Smurf in the parade.
While parents eagerly took pictures of their anxious children paying close attention to the arrival of Santa, KAWS was just as proud and with camera in hand, he snapped picture after picture for the photo album. What began as a thought became something incredibly special on the family holiday.
KAWS now plays a very active role in the commercial and fine art communities. Another great step for the talented artist is the solo exhibition at the Bape Gallery in Tokyo in 2003. There his sculpture known as “Wonderful World” sold for $400,000. In addition, he has shown at the Colette in Paris, has a traveling exhibition called “Beautiful Losers” which began at the Cincinnati Contemporary Art Center and traveled through the United States and Europe in 2009. KAWS did his largest museum show at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia.
Keep an eye on this artist on his way to fame and fortune. He brings out the child in all of us and there is more in store, that is for sure.
PHOTO CREDITS: www.geringlopez.com, CBS NEWS, KAWS Facebook Page
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