Exploring the Heart of KAWS' Creative World Through a Unique Tour with the Artist

Isabelle and I had the incredible privilege of receiving media passes to attend the highly anticipated KAWS: FAMILY exhibition at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Even more exciting, we had the rare opportunity to take a group tour with KAWS himself. This behind-the-scenes experience truly brought the exhibit to life and deepened our understanding of his work in a way that words alone couldn’t convey. I’m thrilled to share that experience with you in this article, hoping it will offer a more personal connection if you decide to visit. The exhibition is in the Temporary Exhibition Gallery, with tickets priced at just $15. It will be open until July 28, 2025, offering plenty of time to experience this one-of-a-kind showcase.

KAWS, the pseudonym of Brian Donnelly, is an artist whose work has captivated audiences worldwide. Known for his distinct blend of pop culture references and fine art, KAWS has created a unique visual language that is playful, thought-provoking, and deeply human. His early work in graffiti, marking buildings in New Jersey and Manhattan, laid the foundation for what would become a globally recognized career. Over the years, KAWS has evolved, but the core goal of his work has always remained the same: to connect with people on a personal level, no matter where they encounter his art.

The characters KAWS uses, from his inflatable sculptures to his toy designs and advertising interventions, have become central to his identity as an artist. They aren’t just characters—they’re a reflection of KAWS' inner world, his emotions, and his experiences. These figures invite the viewer to step into a shared emotional space and explore human connection in a way that is both accessible and universal.

The highlight of the exhibit was undoubtedly FAMILY (2021), a monumental sculpture featuring four of KAWS' iconic characters posed like a family portrait. As Isabelle and I stood before the piece, KAWS explained that, while the figures might appear playful, they were designed to evoke deep reflections on human relationships. The affection between the characters, the way they interact and even their sometimes awkward poses, all resonate with anyone who has experienced the complexities of family life.

Our conversation with KAWS was eye-opening. He explained how his characters are not merely visual symbols—they represent his inner thoughts, his emotions, and his journey as an artist. Whether it’s the cheerful yet melancholic Companion or the introspective figures in FAMILY, these characters have become a window into KAWS' own experiences. It was fascinating to hear him speak about his evolution from a street artist to a globally recognized figure. KAWS shared that his early days of tagging buildings with the “KAWS” signature in New Jersey and New York felt worlds apart from the large-scale works we see today. Yet, his approach has always been about creating a visual language that anyone can connect with.

Making Art Accessible: KAWS and Commercial Collaborations

One of the most fascinating aspects of our conversation with KAWS was hearing about his efforts to bring art to a wider audience through collaborations with commercial brands. KAWS spoke about his partnerships with companies like Uniqlo and his design of limited-edition cereal boxes, noting how these collaborations helped make art more accessible to people who might not typically engage with galleries.

KAWS even designed some of the prizes that came inside cereal boxes—something that instantly brought back memories of my own childhood, when I eagerly mailed away for those collectible prizes. It was such a fun, nostalgic moment during the tour, and I couldn’t help but think, “If only I had kept those!” 

I left the exhibit with a deeper appreciation for KAWS’ artistic journey, but more importantly, I felt a connection to the work that was both intellectual and emotional. I hope that visitors who experience KAWS: FAMILY will come away with a similar understanding and a renewed sense of connection to the art, the artist, and the characters that have come to define his legacy.

So, if you’re looking for an immersive, thought-provoking experience, don’t miss out on this incredible exhibit at Crystal Bridges. Whether you’re discovering KAWS for the first time or revisiting his iconic characters, there’s something in this show for everyone.