Famous artist KAWS to host first Canadian exhibition in Toronto this month

A buzz-worthy artist is making his Canadian exhibition debut in our city. KAWS (real name Brian Donnelly) will put on a showcase at Toronto’s Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) this month.

Even if you haven’t heard his name, you’ve likely seen Donnelly’s work before, on album covers, collectibles, and massive installations around the world.

The Brooklyn-based artist is one of the most famous artists in pop culture, known for his massive sculptures and cartoonish style.

He’s even teamed up with celebrities like Kanye West and luxury brands like Dior and Chanel.

His work is so coveted that in April 2019, a piece called The Kaws Album was sold at auction for $14.8 million.

The artist’s first museum exhibition in Canada, called KAWS: FAMILY, will take place at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) in late-September.

The gallery says that the exhibition will feature over 75 artworks including “wall murals, sketches, paintings, sculptures, his altered phone booth advertisements and product collaborations.”

Recent Posts
13 of the best Toronto restaurants & bars to check out during TIFF
This Toronto neighbourhood is getting a massive three-day open-air street food market

The centrepiece of this exhibition will be a “larger-than-life painted bronze sculpture FAMILY (2021), featuring four of KAWS’ recurring figures of varying sizes posed as a nuclear family,” says the AGO.

“Visitors will see first hand the artist’s meticulous methods, creative process and range.”

Every time a famous artist rolls through our town, practically the whole city shows up to see their work.

Case in point, Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror room, which was so popular that it has since become a permanent exhibition at the AGO.

So, get excited, Toronto. We don’t have much longer to wait for this highly-anticipated show to begin.

KAWS: FAMILY

When: Opens September 27th, 2023
Where: Gallery 224, Level 2, Art Gallery of Ontario