Brian Donnelly—known as KAWS—has gone from spray-painting bus shelter ads in New York to having his sculptures sell for millions at Phillips, Christie's, and Sotheby's. Here's why his work remains one of the strongest bets in the contemporary collectibles market.
The KAWS Market in Numbers
KAWS Companion figures have appreciated 300–800% over the past decade depending on edition and condition. His 2019 painting The KAWS Album sold for $14.7M at Sotheby's Hong Kong—137x its estimate. Even open-edition vinyl figures have seen consistent secondary market appreciation.
What to Collect
- COMPANION figures: Original grey, black, and flayed editions hold the best value
- Limited vinyl figures: KAWS x Medicom Bearbrick 1000% collaborations are particularly strong
- Prints: Signed, numbered screen prints from Kawsone.com drops
Authentication Is Everything
Fakes are pervasive. All legitimate KAWS figures from KAWSONE come with official packaging, tags, and documentation. Third-party authentication via OneCOA adds additional protection for high-value acquisitions.
Browse authenticated KAWS works and figures at Gauntlet Gallery.
