KAWS’s Giant Inflatable Lands at SFMOMA (Weather Permitting!)

San Francisco’s art scene just got a massive new attraction, quite literally. The iconic SFMOMA is currently hosting “KAWS: FAMILY,” the artist’s first major West Coast museum exhibition, featuring an astonishing 36-foot inflatable sculpture, “HOLIDAY: San Francisco,” on its Third Street side. This monumental outdoor piece promises to shake up daily routines for Bay Area residents and visitors, though its appearance is subject to our famously unpredictable weather.

A Whimsical Welcome: The “HOLIDAY” Inflatable

The star of the outdoor show is KAWS’s signature gray and white COMPANION, a cartoon-like character recognized by its Xs for eyes and bones through its head. This giant inflatable version sits prominently, ready to surprise onlookers. Originally grounded by gusty winds and heavy rain on November 12, the sculpture will be carefully monitored by museum officials and deflated if winds exceed a certain speed, adding an element of “will it or won’t it be there” excitement. As KAWS, whose real name is Brian Donnelly, noted, he likes the idea of people encountering something unexpected that might “shift their day.”

“KAWS: FAMILY”: Exploring a Pop Culture Universe

Inside the museum, “KAWS: FAMILY” delves into Donnelly’s expansive universe of characters and his playful riffs on pop culture icons from “The Simpsons” and “Sesame Street” to “Count Chocula.” Organized by the Art Gallery of Ontario, this exhibition showcases how the New Jersey native, who chose the name KAWS because he liked the look of the letters, has evolved from a well-known street artist to a global art superstar. His works span paintings, sculptures, and collaborations with major brands, proving his unique visual language transcends traditional art boundaries.

From Street Art to Museum Walls

KAWS graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York City in 1996 and gained fame in the 1990s for his interventions on public advertisements. He credits San Francisco artist Barry McGee with providing a “skeleton key” that opened up new accessible spots for his billboard paintings, a move that significantly expanded his early practice. This journey from public spaces to major museum exhibitions highlights a distinctive path in the art world.

The Power of Inflatables: Bridging Art and Public

The artist’s fascination with inflatables began with a piece for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2012, followed by an MTV Music Awards installation. He sees inflatables as a powerful medium for temporary, large-scale works, creating a “great bridge between the public and the museum.” This approach, he hopes, piques curiosity and encourages outdoor viewers to explore the rest of the show inside.

KAWS’s Impact on Culture

Donnelly’s work is a testament to the blurring lines between popular culture, product design, and museum art. He describes his collaborations with entities like “Peanuts” or “Sesame Street” as “cross-pollinating my iconography with theirs,” drawing from their history while introducing his distinctive style. This cross-disciplinary approach, once uncommon, is now a hallmark of contemporary art, with companies increasingly collaborating with artists.

Global Reach of the “HOLIDAY” Series

The “HOLIDAY” series has previously captivated audiences in diverse settings around the world, making its stop in San Francisco a continuation of its global tour.

Frequently Asked Questions About KAWS at SFMOMA

• What is the KAWS exhibit at SFMOMA?
  The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is presenting “KAWS: FAMILY,” the artist’s first major West Coast museum exhibition, alongside a large-scale outdoor inflatable sculpture called “HOLIDAY: San Francisco.”
• What is “HOLIDAY: San Francisco”?
  It’s a 36-foot inflatable sculpture featuring KAWS’s signature COMPANION character, located on the Third Street side of SFMOMA. Its visibility is dependent on safe weather conditions.
• How long can I see the KAWS exhibit?
  “KAWS: FAMILY” is on view through May 3. The outdoor “HOLIDAY” inflatable will also be displayed for the next few months, weather permitting.
• Who is KAWS?
  KAWS is the professional name of Brian Donnelly, a New Jersey native and celebrated artist known for his street art, character designs, paintings, and sculptures that blend pop culture with fine art.
• Why does KAWS use inflatables in his art?
  KAWS uses inflatables to create temporary, large-scale public art that can surprise and engage a broad audience, serving as a “bridge” between public spaces and museum exhibitions.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience KAWS’s boundary-pushing art, both inside SFMOMA and, if the Bay Area weather cooperates, gracing the city’s skyline. Check SFMOMA’s website for current viewing hours and exhibit details.

KAWS giant inflatable lands at SFMOMA weather permitting