KAWS, the moniker of American artist Brian Donnelly, has left an indelible mark on the global street art and contemporary art scenes. Born in 1974, KAWS initially gained recognition for his subversive take on popular culture through his street art interventions, including his distinctive reimagining of iconic characters like Mickey Mouse and The Simpsons. With a background in graffiti, KAWS evolved from the streets of New York to galleries and museums, seamlessly bridging the gap between street art and fine art. His signature “Companion” characters, characterized by X-ed out eyes, have become iconic symbols of contemporary urban art.