KAWS Steps into Focus at the Modern

Brian Donnelly, known professionally by the moniker KAWS, is interesting for many reasons. Like, for instance, the fact that he blends elements of graffiti, commercial graphic design and fine art to create treatises on modern consumerism. Or that he designed the cover art for Kanye West's 808&Heartbreak album. Or that he does a series of Spongebob Squarepants paintings. But what makes KAWS' work truly must-see is that despite being something of a legend in the art world for the better part of a decade, he has only recently begun to show his paintings, murals and sculptures in gallery or museum settings. KAWS' pieces were endlessly photographed, blogged about and even sold on the private market, but getting an up close view of the mastery behind his work was difficult until to a few years ago. And this means that the Modern Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell, is in on the ground floor of all things KAWS as it exhibits new pieces from the artist between through February 19. FOCUS:KAWS allows you to view art from a man who would make Keith Haring and Andy Warhol proud. The exhibit is open during regular museum hours Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and until 8 p.m. on Fridays. Admission to the museum is $10 for adults, $4 for seniors and free for children under 12.
Tuesdays-Sundays. Starts: Dec. 11. Continues through Feb. 19, 2011