Super Dope & IG Feed Worthy KAWS Show Opens At Brooklyn Museum

Opening today at the Brooklyn Museum, KAWS: WHAT PARTY is Brooklyn-based artist KAWS (real name Brian Donnelly) first solo museum show in New York. It’s a retrospective and sprawling exhibition of more than 165 works, from pencil sketches of his earliest KAWS street-art murals to the monumental pair of Companions (KAWS’ famous cartoony character, a skull-and-crossbones head with Xs as eyes) in the lobby.

You’ll find paintings like his fan-favorite appropriations Kurfs and the Kimpsons, as well as a few of Donnelly's more recent, neon-colored abstract pieces.

The exhibition is filled with sculptural works, mostly of Companion and the puffy-looking Chum, but there are other cool Instagrammable features as well. One area showcases Donnelly's licensed ventures, like collectible vinyl toys and co-branded sneakers. There are pieces of furniture, including a dead Ernie, Bert, Cookie Monster, and Elmo chairs; several cases dedicated to old KAWS graffiti; and videos of some of Donnelly's massive public art installations around the world.

It’s a fun exhibit and the perfect pick-me up that’s totally IG feed worthy. 

KAWS: WHAT PARTY exhibit opens today at the Brooklyn Museum,located at 200 Eastern Parkway in Prospect Heights.  For non-members, the show currently is sold out until March 10th, but will be on extended stay at the museum through September 5, 2021. Pandemic protocols like required masks and timed-entry ticketing are all in place.