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KAWS: FAMILY at SF MOMA

Going through time with KAWS artwork

For this issue, I decided to include a journal entry centered on art. I spent a day at SFMOMA walking through their latest exhibit, KAWS: FAMILY. 

Black cartoonish sculptures on display.
KAWS FAMILY, 2021

Going into it, my knowledge of KAWS was fairly limited. My first real introduction to his work was when they made his signature mascot the base for the MTV VMAs trophy. At the time, it felt like a playful take on the already familiar moonman, but not something that stood out on its own to me. 

This exhibit serves as an ideal entry point into KAWS and his work over the years. Rather than focusing on KAWS’s current work, this exhibit examines the evolution and growth of his character family. SFMOMA describes this exhibit as an exploration of how KAWS’ work has connected to shared emotions and culture, a theme that is evident as you work your way through the gallery. 

Vivid pop art sculpture by KAWS at The Jason Journal.
KAWS, GONE, 2020

KAWS, GONE, 2020

As you walk into the exhibition, you are greeted by this sculpture.  A life-size KAWS COMPANION carrying BFF in its arms, depicting a moment of loss or exhaustion. The visual is sharp yet whimsical, and the contrast between the two characters strengthens the emotional impact. 

Seeing these characters in person was especially interesting. They feel familiar because of their intentional resemblance to popular cartoons. I enjoyed how they feel like an adult version of those cartoons, while still keeping a sense of whimsy. 

Abstract digital artwork with floating books and vivid colors on a dark background.
KAWS, Adrift in the abyss, 2022.

KAWS, Adrift in the Abyss, 2022

This painting stood out to me for its simplicity and clarity. The color combinations are some of my favorites in the exhibition. At first glance, it gave a sense of calm, but the longer I looked, the more emotionally charged it became. 

I appreciated the difference in emotion conveyed by the figure shown through the window in the door and by the figure as the door begins to open. For me, the piece evokes feelings of sorrow, doubt, and safeguarding. The characters appear isolated at sea, and this setting makes their emotions feel all-consuming, as if there is no end in sight. Both the sense of vulnerability and protection occur simultaneously, rendering a simple image more complex.

Colorful abstract artwork featuring pink teddy bear and geometric shapes in contemporary art style.
KAWS, HOPELESS HORIZON, 2022 (L) KAWS, LOST FUTURE, 2023 (R)

KAWS, HOPELESS HORIZON, 2022

KAWS, LOST FUTURE, 2023

This pairing was one of my favorite moments in the exhibition. KAWS takes a playful character and places them in what appears to be solitary confinement. These paintings are explicitly connected and inspired by the COVID lockdowns, which makes them even more moving. As a collective experience, seeing it reflected in a character typically portrayed in action makes it feel more realistic to what everyone felt and experienced during the pandemic. 

Vivid pink and red graffiti-style artwork from The Jason Journal, featuring a unique character with a playful design.
KAWS, CHUM, 2014

KAWS, CHUM, 2024

Seeing CHUM as this running sculpture enhances the message behind the paintings HOPELESS HORIZON and LOST FUTURE. Each appearance of these characters only adds more layers to their personality. 

Bright, abstract circular artwork on display featuring vivid colors and bold designs for modern art enthusiasts.
KAWS, THE NEWS, 2017

KAWS, THE NEWS, 2017

At first glance, this piece might appear to be nothing more than paint splatters, but the longer you look, the more you begin to see. The familiar forms of the classic characters begin to reveal themselves. Notably, the color palette plays a crucial part in making this visual trick possible.

Vibrant black and white abstract artwork displayed across multiple panels, modern art decor for galleries and contemporary spaces.
KAWS, MANS BESTFRIEND, 2014
Colorful Simpsons character paintings at Art Exhibit.
KAWS, KIMPSONS, 2005
Bright illustrations of The Simpsons characters in comic books.
KAWS, UNTITLED KIMPSONS, 2001
Vibrant stuffed animal sculpture featuring various plush toys, displayed in a modern art exhibit at The Jason Journal.
A large, creative plush toy art piece composed of numerous stuffed animals arranged in an abstract shape, showcased at The Jason Journal art gallery.

The exhibit concludes with a section featuring artwork inspired by well-known cartoon characters, from Snoopy and Woodstock to many characters from The Simpsons. This last section of the exhibit shows a clear beginning to what may have inspired KAWS’ artwork. As someone who loves these cartoons, I enjoyed seeing these beloved characters become more abstract and complex. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Walking out of this exhibit, I was really blown away by the emotions present in both the sculptures and paintings. There is an overwhelming joy and nostalgia from seeing sculptures that resemble cartoons I love. But depending on what the characters are doing, these same sculptures shift from joy and nostalgia to reflect other emotions, such as sadness. A great example of this is the sculptures of CHUM or COMPANION covering their faces. The best part of the whole exhibit is the sense that it was created through a childlike lens. The exhibit will be at the SFMOMA until May 3rd, and I would highly recommend a visit. 

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Issue: January 2026

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