All Photos By Gail

Considered as one of the most relevant and forward-thinking artists of his generation, KAWS (Brian Donnelly) is critically lauded for his multi-disciplinary practice that draws upon pre-existing imagery to comment wittily on consumer culture. With his penchant for collaborations with industry giants, KAWS blurs the boundaries between fine and commercial art as he engages with audiences beyond global museums and galleries.

The artist’s unique visual language has made him a leading figure of 21st Century popular culture, following in the footsteps of icons before him such as Andy Warhol and Keith Haring. That much was obvious when I attended the impressive retrospective exhibit, KAWS: What Party at the Brooklyn Museum this past summer. That’s where I saw this chair.

Limited to an edition of 25, the KAWS Chair Pink was born of a collaboration of the artist and Brazilian designers Humberto and Fernando Campana –  also known as the Campana Brothers.  Adding to a furniture series of soft-toy sculptural pieces that the Campana brothers have been growing over a decade, the chair features KAWS’ iconic plush characters.  

Carefully sewn together in a seemingly random manner, each toy dons the artist’s trademark crossed-out eyes, alongside a signature stitched into one foot. Showcasing the forward-thinking nature of KAWS and Estudio Campana’s leading creative forces, the playful yet curious work is instantly identifiable as part of both collaborators’ practices.

Photographed in the Brooklyn Museum as Part of The Exhibit, KAWS: What Party.

Photo Added June 19, 2022