Perché collezionare KAWS
KAWS is among the world's most global, pop and in-demand artists. Find out why his works are perfect for any collection, even in fractional format on Collecto.
Brian Donnelly, known as KAWS, is one of the most recognisable, collected, and cross-disciplinary artists of the 21st century. Born in 1974 in Jersey City, KAWS began as a street artist before becoming a central figure in global Pop Art. His works—ranging from vinyl toys and prints to monumental sculptures and museum installations—bridge the gap between high art, design, and popular culture. His characters, from the iconic Companion to reimagined versions of Mickey Mouse, SpongeBob, and The Simpsons, have captivated audiences worldwide with their bold visual language and emotional depth.
Aesthetic Between Warhol and Merchandising
KAWS has transformed the relationship between art and the public, dismantling the boundaries between museums and mass culture. His works appear not only in galleries but also in music videos (Drake), celebrity homes (Pharrell Williams, J Balvin), and global fashion campaigns. His collaborations with Dior, Nike, Uniqlo, MTV, and Fortnite have redefined the role of the artist in the digital age.
The Companion figure—part cartoon, part skeleton—is the centerpiece of his universe. Representing alienation, vulnerability, and modern identity, it has become a global icon of contemporary culture.
A Robust and Global Market
Over the last decade, KAWS’s print price index has risen by 184%, far outpacing the FTSE 100’s 47%. Over the past three years, his prints have sold, on average, 14% above estimate, with a solid sell-through rate of 71.5%.
KAWS's market is built on limited editions, screenprints, and vinyl sculptures—distributed in tightly controlled drops. This balance of accessibility and scarcity has created a healthy, competitive secondary market. Works such as Tension #5 and Man’s Best Friend #6 have delivered excellent returns for Maddox clients.
His international presence is strong, with exhibitions at institutions like the Brooklyn Museum and regular appearances at Skarstedt Gallery and global art fairs from Miami to Tokyo.
What to Collect from KAWS
Limited-edition prints are the most accessible and popular starting point. Series like Tension (2019), KAWSBOB (a remix of SpongeBob), and iconic Companion or Chum figures combine aesthetic impact, brand recognition, and solid market performance. Some early editions now sell for ten to twenty times their original release prices.
Collectible vinyl sculptures—such as BFF, Accomplice, or Holiday figures—have also become highly coveted, especially when preserved with original packaging. His large-scale installations, seen in Tokyo, Seoul, New York, and more, further elevate his cultural and market profile.
Global Exhibitions and Massive Visibility
KAWS has held major exhibitions at the Mori Arts Center (Tokyo), Serpentine Gallery (London), Brooklyn Museum, and The Andy Warhol Museum. Recent shows like KAWS: What Party and New Fiction drew hundreds of thousands of visitors.
His visibility is amplified through 4.4 million Instagram followers and collaborations with digital platforms. In 2022, KAWS brought his art into the metaverse, recreating a full exhibition on Fortnite, attracting over 40 million virtual attendees—making it the most attended show in art history.
KAWS is a global phenomenon who has managed to remain authentic while becoming universally recognisable. Loved by both elite collectors and Gen Z fans, supported by museums and embraced by fashion, his appeal spans demographics and geographies. His market is liquid, culturally relevant, and backed by one of the strongest visual identities in contemporary art.
As demand grows and physical editions become rarer, the value of his work continues to rise. KAWS has built not just an artistic legacy but an enduring cultural brand.
Collecting KAWS today means embracing a pop aesthetic that has redefined the boundaries of contemporary art. Through Collecto, you can access some of his most iconic works via fractional ownership—bridging art, culture, and investment in one of the most relevant artists of our time.
