00:55

Early opportunity

1996

Donnelly first garnered attention in the late 1990s for his graffiti art and subversive streetwear designs. Before long, he was working as a background painter on animated series such as Disney’s 101 Dalmations and cult shows Daria and Doug.

Chapter

(1)

00:56

Rebellious Curiosity

Chapter 2

Donnelly began painting the letters ‘KAWS’ on New Jersey and Manhattan buildings. However, Donnelly soon moved on from this simple tag and developed a unique style that involved adding cartoon-like figures to bus-shelter advertisements.

Chapter

(2)

00:45

Frugal for growth

Chapter 3

Donnelly traveled to Japan after being approached by Bounty Hunter, a cult toy and streetwear brand. He traded a painting to get the trip payed for.

Chapter

(3)

00:56

Not so original

Chapter 4

In 1999, KAWS was approached by Bounty Hunter, a Japanese streetwear brand, to visit Japan. This trip led to the creation of KAWS' first toy, COMPANION. Produced in an edition of 500, the toys sold out almost immediately. COMPANION became a recurring figure in KAWS' work.

Chapter

(4)

00:12

Skin in the game

Chapter 5

Produced in an edition of 500 COMPANION's, the toys sold out almost immediately. Donnelly took payment in stock of toys for this initial venture. The COMPANION became a recurring figure in KAWS' work, appearing in subsequent collections of toys, apparel, and paintings.

Chapter

(5)

00:43

Create leverage

Chapter 6

Donnelly's current collection with the Japanese brand sees him redrawing beloved Sesame Street characters on a collection of T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and toys. All priced under $50, the pieces feature the tagline, ‘You’re never too old for the street’. Donnelly moved his store onto his own platform, shipping direct to the customer to maintain ownership over his business.

Chapter

(6)

Early opportunity

Chapter 1
Donnelly began gaining professional steam as a background painter on Disney’s 101 Dalmations and cult shows Daria and Doug.

Rebellious Curiosity

Chapter 2
Donnelly moved on from a simple tag and developed a unique style that involved adding cartoon-like figures to bus-shelter advertisements.

Frugal for growth

Chapter 3
Donnelly traded a painting for a trip to Japan after being approached by Bounty Hunter, a cult toy and streetwear brand.

Not so original

Chapter 4
Donnelly built characters based on beloved Sesame Street and used similar features to Disney characters in his work.

Skin in the game

Chapter 5
Donnelly took payment in stock of toys for his initial venture. The COMPANION became a recurring figure in KAWS' work, appearing in subsequent collections of toys, apparel, and paintings.

Create leverage

Chapter 6
Donnelly moved his store onto his own platform, shipping direct to the customer. This let him maintain ownership over his work & business.

Unofficial

(8)

Chapters

KAWS:HOLIDAY Lands on Changbai Mountain in China

Complex

REESE’S PUFFS Teams Up with Iconic Artist KAWS to Drop Two Cereal Boxes and AR Game

Business Wire

KAWS on why he’s exhibiting his new art show in Fortnite

Dazed

KAWS:HOLIDAY Lands on Changbai Mountain in China

Jing Daily

KAWS Teases Another 'Fortnite' Collaboration

Hypebeast

‘The world’s most visible artist’: KAWS on augmented reality, showing his work in Fortnite and the future of digital art

Christie's
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TheBEACH

OF THE KING

The Enduring Legacy of Playa Del Rey, CA
Its very name, Spanish for "Beach of the King," evokes a sense of  historical aspiration, hinting at early developers' ambitious visions for this coastal stretch.
Table of content

ANCIENT SHOREs

The Lost World of the Ballona Wetlands

Chapter 1

Ranchos & Rivers

From Wild Rivers to Vast Ranchos: Forging Playa del Rey

Chapter 2

RISE OF LAX

World War & an Airport ERASE SURFRIDGE

Chapter 3

Swinging Sixties

Surf, SUN, AND ENDLESS OPTIMISM

Chapter 4

TOE's BEACH

SURF SCENE & SHADOW OF LAX

Chapter 5

RESILIENCE

OIL SPILLS to the tech boom

Chapter 6
This is a story
(the last beach town)
Playa Del Rey
CA

PLAYA  HAS MAINTAINED A DISTINCT IDENTITY, A TESTEMENT TO (ITs ) , ENDURING SPIRIT AND DEEP  (COMMUNITY CONNECTION).

tHE LAST BEACH TOWN
 PDR Story
watch the full clip
1800

The Lost World of the Ballona Wetlands

Step back in time before the freeways, before the city...

Chapter 1
1902

Rugged engineering efforts

Imagine a Los Angeles of vast open plains, roaming cattle, and untamed rivers

Chapter 2
watch the full clip
1920

The Age of Speed

It was the fastest place on Earth. Before Hollywood's golden age, Playa del Rey was the epicenter of speed, glamour, and industry.

Chapter 3
watch the full clip
1930

Build on what's already created

The 1940s brought global conflict to LA's shores, forever changing the landscape..

Chapter 4
watch the full clip
1960

Surfers, Cool Cars, & MDR

Ride the wave into the vibrant 1960s! In this chapter, we explode into full color to celebrate the era of sun, surf, and endless optimism. Experience the golden age of California beach culture in Playa del Rey

Chapter 5
watch the full clip
1960

Surfers, Cool Cars, & MDR

Ride the wave into the vibrant 1960s! In this chapter, we explode into full color to celebrate the era of sun, surf, and endless optimism. Experience the golden age of California beach culture in Playa del Rey

Chapter 5
watch the full clip
2025

Modern Playa

Chapter 6
watch the full clip

Ride the wave into the vibrant 1960s! In this chapter, we explode into full color to celebrate the era of sun, surf, and endless optimism. Experience the golden age of California beach culture in Playa del Rey

1960

Surfers, Cool Cars, & MDR

Ride the wave into the vibrant 1960s! In this chapter, we explode into full color to celebrate the era of sun, surf, and endless optimism. Experience the golden age of California beach culture in Playa del Rey

Chapter 5
watch the full clip

Early ( ) Days

Rebellious ( ) curiosity

Need ( ) For Speed

Global ( ) conflicts

Fun in ( ) The Sun

Create ( ) Leverage

Video
interviews
(sources)
having
fun?

We still have ( ) missing pieces of the ( ) story. Hopefully these videos can fill in the ( ) gaps.

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

(4)

HIDDEN GEMS

6644 VISTA DEL MAR

Real Estate Listings

How KAWS Became the Face Of Contemporary Art | Blueprint

Mo'S Place

Resturaunts

The Evolution of KAWS' Street Art Aesthetic | Brilliant Ideas Ep. 29

Non-Profits

Video

Pharrell Williams Interviews David Salle & KAWS | ARTST TLK Ep. 2 Full | Reserve Channel

CAFE MILAN

Video

KAWS x i-D Magazine Video Interview