Groundbreaking AGO exhibit extended into August

The summer months offer a short window to engage with KAWS: FAMILY at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). This exhibit delves into the multifaceted world of American artist Brian Donnelly, known as KAWS. As the exhibition draws to a close on August 5, visitors have a final opportunity to explore the intricate and vibrant creations that have left an indelible mark on contemporary art.

An Artistic Milestone

KAWS: FAMILY represents a significant milestone as it marks the first time KAWS’s work has been presented in a Canadian museum. Curated by Julian Cox, the AGO’s deputy director and chief curator, the exhibition spans two decades of KAWS’s artistic journey. From his early days tagging the streets of Jersey City and Manhattan, to his current status as a globally recognized artist, Brian Donnelly’s evolution is meticulously chronicled through over 70 artworks.

A Journey Through KAWS’s World

The exhibition is thoughtfully arranged across Level 2 of the AGO, inviting visitors to engage with families of related artworks. Larger-than-life wood sculptures and augmented reality installations in Galleria Italia provide a diverse array of experiences that prompt reflection on our connections to objects and to each other. Julian Cox captures the essence of KAWS’s appeal, noting, “KAWS reminds us that art can be many things at once — priceless, useful, commercial, beautiful, familiar, thought-provoking and funny.”

Iconic Figures and Emotional Resonance

KAWS’s art is populated by recurring figures, inspired by collectible toys and popular American cartoons, which blend a sense of playfulness with deeper, often somber themes. These characters, with their distinctive crossed-out eyes, explore a spectrum of human emotions, from loneliness and anxiety to joy and grief. The centerpiece, entitled FAMILY (2021), is a painted bronze sculpture featuring COMPANION, CHUM, and BFF, posed in the style of a studio portrait. This piece encapsulates the nuanced emotionality that pervades KAWS’s work.

The playfulness of these figures stands in stark contrast to their emotional depth. COMPANION, with its Mickey Mouse-like gloves and cartoonish proportions, evokes a sense of nostalgia, while simultaneously confronting viewers with a haunting, melancholic presence. CHUM and BFF, equally whimsical, delve into themes of companionship and the complexities of human relationships. The juxtaposition of these elements invites viewers to engage in a dialogue with the art, reflecting on their own experiences and emotions.

Bridging Art and Commerce

KAWS’s ability to traverse the realms of fine art and commercial design is evident throughout the exhibition. Shoe designs, cereal boxes, album covers, and a plush toy loveseat, all products of his collaborations with global brands, stand alongside his more traditional paintings and sculptures. These mass-produced items reflect KAWS’s conviction that art should not be confined to museums, but should permeate everyday life, challenging the boundaries between commercialism and artistic integrity.

The inclusion of these commercial pieces is not merely a nod to consumer culture, but a critical commentary on it. KAWS’s collaborations with brands like Nike and General Mills are presented with the same care and attention to detail as his more conventional artworks, suggesting that the divide between high and low art is not as vast as it once seemed. This blurring of boundaries compels us to reconsider our perceptions of art and its place in society.

Interactive and Immersive Experiences

A particularly engaging aspect of the exhibition is the augmented reality artworks created in collaboration with Acute Art. These installations, which allow visitors to interact with KAWS sculptures via their smartphones, add a layer of interactivity that bridges the physical and digital worlds. It’s a testament to KAWS’s innovative approach and his commitment to accessibility and creative play.

The augmented reality pieces serve to extend the reach of KAWS’s work beyond the confines of the gallery space. By incorporating cutting-edge technology, these works invite viewers to become active participants in the artistic process, blurring the lines between observer and creator. This interactive element underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of contemporary art, reflecting KAWS’s ongoing engagement with modern technology and its potential to transform artistic expression.

The Artist’s Perspective

KAWS’s reflections on his work provide a window into his artistic philosophy. He expresses a desire to create emotional connections through his characters, stating, “I always wondered why figures never had these kinds of expressive gestures. They were always proud superheroes standing tall or in other stiff poses. I wanted to create an emotional connection that could reflect our times and how I feel.”

This intention is vividly realized in KAWS’s characters, whose expressive poses and poignant gazes convey a wide range of human emotions. These figures, often depicted in moments of vulnerability or introspection, invite viewers to empathize with their experiences. In doing so, KAWS challenges us to confront our own emotional landscapes and consider the ways in which art can serve as a mirror to our inner lives.

His thoughts on mass culture also shed light on his influences: “It was difficult to communicate since I didn’t speak Japanese, but I could walk down the streets and see shops full of Simpson’s merchandise. It was like, ‘You know Homer, I know Homer: We might not be able to have a meaningful conversation, but to all of us, it’s still Homer!’”

This anecdote highlights the universal appeal of KAWS’s work, which draws on familiar icons from popular culture to create a shared visual language. By appropriating and reimagining these cultural touchstones, KAWS bridges cultural and linguistic divides, crafting artworks that resonate with audiences around the world.

KAWS: FAMILY at the AGO offers a rare opportunity to witness the work of an artist who deftly navigates the intersection of popular culture and fine art. His sophisticated humour and thoughtful engagement with consumer products challenge viewers to reconsider their relationship with everyday objects and the emotions they evoke.

This summer presents the last chance to experience this extraordinary exhibition, which promises to leave a lasting impression on all who visit. For more information, visit ago.ca/exhibitions/kaws-family