Born Brian Donnelly in Jersey City, New Jersey, KAWS began his career in the 1990s as a graffiti artist in New York City. He gained early recognition for his interventions on commercial advertisements, eventually transitioning into a prolific career that bridges the gap between fine art, street art, and commercial design.

His practice is defined by a recurring cast of characters, such as the Companion, which he reinterprets through various scales and materials. These figures often draw inspiration from existing pop culture icons, blending high-art sensibilities with the aesthetics of mass-produced toys and graphic design.

Today, his work is widely recognized for its global reach and influence on contemporary visual culture. His pieces are frequently featured in major international auctions and exhibitions that explore the intersection of fine art and design, cementing his status as a central figure in the contemporary art market.