10 things to know about KAWS

Later, he would replicate these early works of 'subvertising' in a series of screenprint lithographs. These included a mock Calvin Klein ad, featuring supermodel Christy Turlington being embraced by a green figure.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website.

His origins in graffiti brought his work to a diverse audience, many of whom had nothing to do with the art world. Unlike most artists, KAWS did not start out with a gallery; he was fully aware of the benefits of showing his work in the street and mass-producing pieces in order to build a following. This following became so big that it attracted the attention of collectors and critics.

Speaking of his early days as a graffiti artist, Donnelly said, "When I was doing graffiti, my whole thought was, 'I just want to exist.' I want to exist with this visual language in the world. It meant nothing to me to make paintings if I wasn't reaching people."