How KAWS Became the Face Of Contemporary Art | Blueprint

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Published 2017-11-20

KAWS went from a skater kid doing graffiti around New York City to illustrating the beloved animated series Doug to creating instantly recognizable pop art that gained visibility the world over. The artist, painter, designer and toymaker details how he linked with Nigo and Pharrell in Japan, collaborated with Jordan and Uniqlo for sold-out capsules, and created motifs that elevated fine art into the cultural zeitgeist.

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All Comments (21)

@tonywalker9375 6 years ago

"Once you start trying to please other people, I feel like you're just grasping at nothing." Noted.
@janellespivey2238 6 years ago

He's so calm.
@aalexgr8 6 years ago

Such an incredibly humble dude given how big of a name he has
@FOREVERHUNGRYXGAIJINTHEARTIST 6 years ago

Definitely didn't know he worked on Doug, That's a straight classic. KAWS is a true artist. Passionate, experimental and did the things his graff peers looked down on him for. That's what it's all about.
@Dasloth92 6 years ago

I absolutely LOVE his style. One of my biggest inspirations as an artist, I only hope one day to do even a fraction of what he has.
@kres1510 6 years ago

Truely inspirational and with keen insight from the man himself . Much respect to KAWZ and thank you Complex for this solid interview . 🙏🙏🙏🙏
@therealgentlemensclub2677 6 years ago

S/o KAWS... work is fantastic and humble human being... lucky to be apart of his work in this lifetime....
@kevinfoster6673 6 years ago

2:50 Love how he playfully shuts down that question
@animalnut8681 6 years ago

Imagine if kaws made a car there would be the two X’s in the headlights and tail lights and the engine would be colorful like the organs of the kaws sculpture and has kaws hands around the whole car
@kkath 4 years ago

this is the most calm interview ive watched in a while
@chickenbuttyomama 5 years ago

Really like this interviewer! He asked good questions and obviously did his research beforehand ! good job
@joshsmith7812 5 years ago

Such a humble guy. Great interview as well.
@bloatedsodium7301 5 years ago

Kaws blocked me because I told him to embrace his beautiful bald head.
@zatan6x248 9 months ago

"once you try to please people I feel like you're just grasping at nothing" - KAWS
@aaronhernandez9348 5 years ago

this was so calming...im bout to fall asleep with how relax i am.
@elson32 4 years ago

He hardly approach somebody for collaboration, they all come to him, that’s also why his releases mostly his own creation (companion & BFF), I like how he did so many collaborations when he first started.
@Reiji009 4 years ago

His words in the end had the most weight for any creative or anyone who is going against the grain to find themselves 🤔. Will continue to support his art
@drparham 4 years ago

Apparently Ive been a fan of KAWS since his beginnings and didn't even know it! Great interview thanks for connecting all the dots
@AmyElizabethFrith 6 years ago

I love the fact that when you say Kaws , it sounds like Cause . That was my first thought when I first saw Kaws art . I really appreciate seeing this video . It's awesome .
@starwarz8479 4 years ago

This is great! Would love to see more content like this.