KAWS, also known as Brian Donnelly, started his art career in the early 1990s; his first dip into art was with graffiti, which is shown in his art style with his KAWS characters who are named COMPANION, CHUM, and BFF. He has grown much attention throughout the years with his art characters displayed in 2D and 3D art. KAWS and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art collaborated to bring his famous artwork for NWA Arkansas residents to experience first-hand.
The exhibition first opened at the Art Gallery of Ontario in September of 2023, yet only having 7,000 square feet of space in Ontario’s vicinity at the time. With its arrival at Crystal Bridges, it opens to 11,000 square space and brings in more to show for public audiences. The exhibition displays the concept of different characters to connect to different family dynamics. Alejo Benedetti, Associate Curator at Crystal Bridges, stated, “what was exciting about this whole concept is that it is about family and looking at these different characters and the sort of family dynamics between them, it brings a really wonderful jumping off point for guests.”
Benedetti stated that public turnout has been exceptional, and it’s been helpful that admission for the exhibition is free for those who are 25 and younger. He also said, “I love getting to walk through the gallery and see the people in there. Although the numbers look great on paper, seeing the people engage with the artwork is a really gratifying thing to be able to witness.”
The KAWS exhibition is fitted to engage many types of audience members. The art pieces have connections to many famous cartoons such as the Simpsons, Sesame Street, Peanuts, etc. Benedetti exclaimed, “even if you’re not an art person, the coolest thing about this is that I guarantee that many people have seen the cartoons. Many will recognize the pieces displayed and hopefully bring in a connection between the art and most viewers while they experience this in person.” The characters CHUM, COMPANION, and BFF are displayed alongside these well known cartoons in eye-catching ways.
Within two months of the opening, many guests have shared great content after experiencing this art exhibit. Edwin Beltran, a high school junior student and KAWS enthusiast shared, “I’ve been looking forward to this exhibition since it was first announced that it was heading to Crystal Bridges and getting to see it in person rather than all his artwork I’ve seen online has been so much fun.”
The admission for “KAWS: Family” exhibition is $15 for general adults and free for those who are 25 and younger, veterans, Crystal Bridges members, and SNAP participants through enrollment. You can experience this exhibition up through the 28 of July this year. Benedetti said, “If you have seen his work, seen pictures, seen it online, or seen people posing with it, it’s worth coming to see in person.”
