At the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) until 31 March 2024 is ‘KAWS Family’, an exhibit of work by Brian Donnelly who is a Brooklyn artist also known as KAWS. Donnelly started his career in graffiti, especially defacing ads and other illustrations. He also worked for a while as an illustrator including a stint with Disney. This exhibition includes sculptures, paintings, and drawings.
This is a sample of what is showing at the AGO
below: Very much resembling Mickey Mouse with his over sized boots and big white hands, is Companion, the central character in this sculpture. Companion made his debut in 1999 as an 8 inch high plastic toy figure. He has since appeared in many sizes and situations. Here he is carrying a limp pink figure in a piece titled “Gone”. The pink character is based on Sesame Street’s Elmo.
below: Space suited Companion. An Elmo sits in the background. And yes, Companion has been to space – or at least into the stratosphere, more than 40 km up.
below: From the back. A pink Accomplice stands in the background. Accomplice always has rabbit ears.
below: A grid of sketches inspired by Snoopy, the lovable beagle created by Charles M. Schulz in his “Peanuts” cartoon.
below: The exhibit is scattered over at least places at the AGO including the Galleria Italia.
below: The pink character is Chum which is obviously inspired by the Michelin Man. Like all of the KAWS figures, it has X’s for eyes and a skull shaped face. the official mascot of the Michelin tire company. The Michelin Man, or his ‘real name’ Bibendum, was introduced in 1894 and is the oldest still active trademark.
below: Taking photos (even if it means ignoring the words on the floor!).
below: “Good Intentions”
There are many more on his Instagram page – KAWS
as I walk Toronto 