What Are KAWS Figures? Exploring the Impact of KAWS Toys in Urban Vinyl Art

Image:  Part of Musart's Kaws Collection

In recent years, designer toys have surged in popularity, merging the worlds of contemporary art and collectible culture. Among these, KAWS figures have emerged as some of the most sought-after items in the urban vinyl art scene. Unlike traditional art pieces, these figures are more accessible, resonating with a broader audience who seek art that is not only visually striking but also culturally relevant. KAWS toys challenge our expectations, blending high art with pop culture in ways that are both playful and profound.

Urban vinyl, as a medium, provides a unique platform for artists to express their creativity while making their art more affordable and accessible. The concept was pioneered by Michael Lau in the late 1990s in Hong Kong, and it quickly gained traction worldwide, giving birth to a dedicated community of art toy collectors. These collectibles, often released in limited editions, celebrate mass-market plastic toys while embodying the aesthetics of urban hip-hop culture. Artists like Takashi Murakami, Nathan Jurevicius, and Craig Anthony Perkins have all contributed to the growth of this genre, but few have made as significant an impact as KAWS.

KAWS, born Brian Donnelly in 1974 in Jersey City, New Jersey, is a world-renowned artist whose work straddles the line between fine art and global commerce. His figures, most notably the “Companion” series, are a morbidly cute take on Mickey Mouse, reflecting both a critique and celebration of pop culture. These figures have transcended the traditional art market, drawing comparisons to the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, and Jeff Koons. KAWS’s unique ability to blend street art with consumer culture has made him one of the most influential contemporary artists of our time.

KAWS began his artistic journey as a graffiti artist, tagging buildings in New Jersey and Manhattan with the name “KAWS,” a tag he chose for its aesthetic appeal. His early work involved adding cartoon-like figures to bus-shelter advertisements, a move that brought his art to a wider, more diverse audience. This transition from graffiti to mass-produced art pieces marked the beginning of his rise to global fame.

In 1999, KAWS’s career took a significant turn when he visited Japan at the invitation of Bounty Hunter, a cult toy and streetwear brand. It was during this trip that he created his first toy, the “Companion,” which became an instant hit in the global art toy collecting community. Japan’s rich culture of toy collecting provided the perfect platform for KAWS to expand his influence. Following this success, KAWS launched his own fashion label, Original Fake, and collaborated with major brands like Bathing Ape, Supreme, and Nike, further cementing his status as a cultural icon.

KAWS is particularly known for his subversive reinterpretations of iconic cartoon characters, including Mickey Mouse, The Simpsons, SpongeBob SquarePants, and the Michelin Man. By reimagining these beloved figures, KAWS explores the universal cultural value they hold, blurring the lines between “high” and “low” art. His work has resonated with a global audience, leading to exhibitions in prestigious museums and galleries worldwide, and collaborations with major brands across various industries.

As of 2024, KAWS continues to make waves in the art world with recent exhibitions and collaborations that highlight his ever-growing influence. One of the most notable events is his ongoing “KAWS:HOLIDAY” series, which has seen large-scale inflatable sculptures installed in locations around the world, including cities like Hong Kong, Seoul, and Tokyo. These installations have garnered significant attention, further solidifying his place in contemporary art.

In addition to his physical art installations, KAWS has been actively involved in digital and virtual spaces. In 2022, he collaborated with Fortnite on a series of virtual experiences, and similar collaborations are expected to continue into 2024 and beyond, as the intersection between art and technology continues to expand.

Despite the debates, there’s no denying that KAWS has played a pivotal role in bringing urban vinyl art into the mainstream. His figures have not only opened the doors of the art market to a new audience but have also inspired a generation of artists to explore the possibilities of this medium. The community that has grown around KAWS toys is a testament to the enduring appeal of his work, as collectors and fans continue to engage with his creations in meaningful ways.

• KAWS’s “Companion” series has been featured in numerous public art installations, including a giant inflatable version that floated in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour in 2019.

• In 2021, a KAWS figure titled “The KAWS Album” sold at auction for $14.8 million, setting a new record for the artist.

• KAWS’s work has been integrated into the digital world, with collaborations on virtual reality experiences and augmented reality apps that allow fans to interact with his art in new ways.

KAWS toys have not only redefined what art can be but have also carved out a unique space in both the art world and popular culture. As urban vinyl art continues to evolve, the influence of KAWS is likely to endure, inspiring new artists and collectors to explore the intersection of art, commerce, and culture. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the world of designer toys, the impact of KAWS on contemporary art is undeniable, making his figures a must-have for anyone interested in the future of art.