How KAWS Became the Face Of Contemporary Art | Blueprint

[@tonywalker9375]

"Once you start trying to please other people, I feel like you're just grasping at nothing." Noted.

[@holeymattress8128]

In the context of this quote:"you're just grasping at nothing" instead of copious amounts of cash.

[@nine-vi7rw]

@@holeymattress8128 He just did what he liked and earned what he got. Whats the big deal?

[@alsaulso1332]

Wow!! Alot of his success is luck!!

[@surality]

@@alsaulso1332 hi, and who you know.

[@SwissWatchGang]

Smart!

[@janellespivey2238]

He's so calm.

[@Y3MZ1]

I was going to skip this video but his calm vibe hooked me

[@juswolf22]

Janelle The Great painting is like a meditation

[@warriorsanjay]

@@juswolf22 yeah!

[@ryancolemccutchan2405]

He is calm..

[@stoopidfork1756]

#Satisfied4hisvoice

[@aalexgr8]

Such an incredibly humble dude given how big of a name he has

[@ayandragiosis1930]

Alex Apgar 666

[@jessironquillo1467]

Such an incredibly humble dude given how big of a name he has

[@Swaaagg4567]

I love the fact that when you say Kaws , it sounds like Cause . That was my first thought when I first saw Kaws art . I really appreciate seeing this video . It's awesome .

[@THCSamuel]

agreed. dude is a legend

[@salgraziano6761]

[@FOREVERHUNGRYXGAIJINTHEARTIST]

Definitely didn't know he worked on Doug, That's a straight classic. KAWS is a true artist. Passionate, experimental and did the things his graff peers looked down on him for. That's what it's all about.

[@EraqDiehlio]

you should watch the KAWS report by Brad Troemel

[@jyotsnaroy9596]

Fake deep

[@anonymoustruth5950]

What? He is not a true artist. Everything he does is a rip off.

[@Junkmailcrusades]

@@anonymoustruth5950 everything every artist does is a ripoff. Name one artist not biting those that came before them and I'll show you a liar

[@kevinfoster6673]

2:50 Love how he playfully shuts down that question

[@Dasloth92]

I absolutely LOVE his style. One of my biggest inspirations as an artist, I only hope one day to do even a fraction of what he has.

[@kkath]

this is the most calm interview ive watched in a while

[@therealgentlemensclub2677]

S/o KAWS... work is fantastic and humble human being... lucky to be apart of his work in this lifetime....

[@kres1510]

Truely inspirational and with keen insight from the man himself . Much respect to KAWZ and thank you Complex for this solid interview . 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@lukemarshall3399]

His voice is so calming.

[@elson32]

He hardly approach somebody for collaboration, they all come to him, that’s also why his releases mostly his own creation (companion & BFF), I like how he did so many collaborations when he first started.

[@aaronhernandez9348]

this was so calming...im bout to fall asleep with how relax i am.

[@animalnut8681]

Imagine if kaws made a car there would be the two X’s in the headlights and tail lights and the engine would be colorful like the organs of the kaws sculpture and has kaws hands around the whole car

[@zlatanvu8198]

i like your thought

[@kitaromiller2018]

dang you need to reach out to him yall could pitch that to Scion

[@eliashajj-moussa7886]

You just gived me an idea for my sketch

[@Jamesharveycomics]

It's literally that easy to do what he does

[@ICELORD]

@@Jamesharveycomics Then why haven't you done it?

[@jhanyoutube]

He's so chill sort of like a meditation💙

[@Reiji009]

His words in the end had the most weight for any creative or anyone who is going against the grain to find themselves 🤔. Will continue to support his art

[@gepettowins]

often when I watch interviews by anyone at Complex -- and I'm sure they're all really great people -- but I always get the feeling they are trying to interact with the LEGACY of the person, rather than just interact with the person. and it always seems to make the person being interviewed uncomfortable

[@mrfresssssh]

It's called "Blueprint" for a reason.................

[@Peem_pom]

True

[@rorylee9626]

this dude has the chillest aura i love it

[@bloatedsodium7301]

Kaws blocked me because I told him to embrace his beautiful bald head.

[@DrPepperGucciTomato]

😂

[@stoopidfork1756]

Wait!! *HE DOESNT HAVE LONG LOCKS*

[@cakexpie]

Lmfao

[@devinmichaelroberts9954]

"Most artists are really really weak individuals with no self control or ability to even understand when a compliment is a compliment- " From an artist

[@campbellalbertina]

Lool!

[@markkissel1997]

Crazy to see kaws live out every graffiti artists dreams what a badass!!

[@spencerpool6879]

there should be a KAWS dlc for the Cuphead game

[@fiwwy2314]

Theres a mod i think

[@iamjae1999]

I read dlc as dic

[@stoopidfork1756]

@@iamjae1999 dicpic sorry....

[@wassabi1013]

Omg Yesss !!!!

[@bruhology6437]

FACTS

[@gravity__zone]

He's really humble and chill. I don't plan to own any KAWS but was a pleasure viewing his blueprint

[@WattsMr3000]

Banksey is the Blue print and underappreciated for his works

[@SUNPARKNYCSTUDIO]

just visited Brooklyn museum for his exhibition. love it. :) the way he speaks, so different than his works.

[@WeezWeez409]

these interviews are so captivating.

[@LimpBizkitReal]

I once saw some of his sculptures at an art gallery kinda thing about 3 years ago and I thought they were so cool

[@KikaSudios123]

which gallery?

[@acinad6]

When I saw the exhibition at the NGV in Australia I immediately thought of the Cookie Monster, the Paddle Pop lion, Doctor Zoidberg from Futurama and the X symbol from Microsoft's X-Box. Kaws is a strange cat like so many artists

[@armandopicazo4599]

Bro Whattttttt. So Humble about working on Doug. Big childhood cartoon for me. I'm from '93

[@mwellmwell]

constructive criticism: these extreme close up shots of the interviewees in these interviews are unnecessary and make them difficult to watch. maybe it's just me but from an aesthetic standpoint, they are an eyesore.

[@oldboyneverrichagain1113]

Agreed even tho im a bit late

[@shiylon]

Yea feels weird like I’m touching without permission

[@AmyElizabethFrith]

I love the fact that when you say Kaws , it sounds like Cause . That was my first thought when I first saw Kaws art . I really appreciate seeing this video . It's awesome .

[@intellectualblackking162]

Kaws did Doug, 808, a fire Collab with Nike and more??? Really the goat of modern art.

[@mathewandrist7566]

He has a few collabs with Nike

[@pedroalarcon332]

The GOAT? c´mon, the GOAT can't be this inexpressive... True art is not made to sell, just look at Botero's, at Dali's latest work... For me this is good DESIGN.

[@DoublePattyy]

Pedro, 'design' implies there is a function or fundamental purpose. We're talking about art, also. So everyone's opinions are subjective. Although I do agree, GOAT is a bold statement

[@pedroalarcon332]

Same old story about opinions being subjective. Obviously a person who hasn't developed critical thinking will differ from someone who has.

[@pedroalarcon332]

You have to judge the artist for his art, being humble and cool dosn't make you a great artist, and if you can´t compare before making a statement, that means you don't know much.

[@lebohangmbeje4361]

finally get to see this Kaws guy and his work and now I think I'm hooked

[@josegerman8877]

From the streets to Museums and still street loved AMAZING!!!!!!!

[@KeithNera]

I can't afford to buy his toys or paintings. Good thing he made a collab with Uniqlo.

[@jferrariiiiiiiii2638]

yo, these are dope af. great questions as well.

[@nobodyguy4524]

Nothing in this revealed how his little cartoon became so famous and powerful

[@codeninja100]

He promoted it with street art by hijacking advertisements literally making the advertisement about him. You have to look back at the time back then. Most graffiti artists just tagged shit with a name. He started to create recognizable characters 100’s of thousands of people would see a day in newyork. So once he started to make connections and moves in the gallery space. People had already seen his work

[@BostonsF1nest]

The first KAWS toys must be absolutely priceless now

[@brando_shoots8286]

I’m sure. They go for hundreds now

[@davidta4322]

Such a good artist at understanding his aesthetic, his vision, and audience. Great interview

[@arseniotungol1779]

Bring this series back!

[@drparham]

Apparently Ive been a fan of KAWS since his beginnings and didn't even know it! Great interview thanks for connecting all the dots

[@TarmanTheChampion]

God gives and God takes. Lovely art, very interesting compositions and color choices. Very impressive fine lines and outlines! Especially if ones panting on a non smooth surface. Have you guys ever tried painting straight, crisp lines without having to go back and forth between the colors that are next to each other to touch up and fix any mistakes???! Its incredibly frustrating to get the result perfect. Especially if there's even the slightest amount of texture.. even the texture of canvas can make things exponentially difficult :/

[@zombl337og]

now knowing he created DOUG makes him a LEGEND alone!

[@SweetChariotOfFire]

Blueprint is the best series on Complex. Hands down the most valuable to the next round of dreamers.

[@rodismantle2809]

Edward norton vibes

[@MyriadDubstep]

Was looking for this comment lol

[@joshsmith7812]

Such a humble guy. Great interview as well.

[@oliverbray6069]

Awesome series!!! Very inspiring...

[@kehkeh92821]

Mannnnnn- this guy is a capital G. His presence and attitude is just radiant.

[@Spraydaily]

Fresh, it's up on our site!

[@P-Atonement]

His resemblance to "Doug" is striking !!!!! Funny how he poo pop's conversation about the character when excitedly mentioned by the interviewer

[@lisengel2498]

Its playfull, filled with joy and imaginations and just pure fun - i really like it - it opens into a playfull attitude toward life

[@PBxTHExNIKExSBxOGx]

I didn't know Eminem painted lol jk this was awesome and Complex Hustle is super underrated. The next Hot Ones. Thank you Noah!

[@PBxTHExNIKExSBxOGx]

I run a menswear compant (www.prestondouglas.us) and would love to email you about Complex potentially sponsoring our upcoming NYFW show.

[@kyronmoore7485]

Eminem actually is a great artist

[@AmyElizabethFrith]

A lot of rappers paint:)

[@DanTejedaFit]

This guy looks nothing like Eminem...

[@Jimmy-oq9zq]

I remember seeing WHAT 4 all around JC in the early 90's. Never saw any throw up's or pieces though.

[@anonymus8443]

The setup was wack man he must've been so uncomfortable on that deck chair, sitting from a guy thats like 7ft away from him

[@Artem-tk1ec]

Practicing social distancing

[@ArningEchanoPH]

@@Artem-tk1ec social distancing in 2017?

[@companionbmx404]

@@ArningEchanoPH "practicing"

[@bg.2282]

Crazy guy. Anyone else’s inspiration and how chilled he is?✌️

[@zatan6x248]

"once you try to please people I feel like you're just grasping at nothing" - KAWS

[@catherinevipond9672]

Fantastic insightful interview, dude seems so grounded!

[@JohnnyDied_]

Kaws x bape is still my favorite collab of his. 🙏

[@Koiyah]

Legend, still like his work. One of the first street artist to actually make money from his work and not just get some free paint and a "sponsor ship".

[@jacobfarrell7171]

Nope. Keith Herring and Jean Michele Basquiat were way before him

[@Koiyah]

@@jacobfarrell7171 True, but I did write "one of the first". Even if a few of the absolute first generation of artists, did make it. :-)

[@jacobfarrell7171]

@@Koiyah this guy just found out a way to build a Corporation around it magnified by the internet.

[@Koiyah]

@Rollo Larson Sponsor ship, dude maybe people get boats. :-) No just kidding, should not have hitted the space bar, mistake noticed.

[@jtwisdom13]

: 49 second mark. That was a piece by artist Kaws zephyr and revolt. Unforgettable and unavoidable seeing that on the rooftop of a building next to the flushing bound 7 train 52nd street station. Today another building exists there in its place. #Memories #RealGraff

[@W2TW]

basically right place right time.

[@cristianloza5472]

that's how life works man...

[@ThatAmbientGuy]

I love his cartoony style. Very modern and cool.

[@corbinlee7977]

young nigga legit taking notes rn ty complex this guy is a legend

[@hello-m7f]

nigga?

[@Fuckyoucomeagain]

You need to calm down Corbin

[@HPtH1NeR]

Kaws what's a real Street graffiti artist before he started doing wheatpaste.. sick burners!! Much love from the UW crew! LA!

[@THCSamuel]

One of my favorite artists ever. Can't wait to get a larger 4ft eventually

[@SebastianTinajero]

do one on James Jean , or Mark Ryden or , kim Jung Gi

[@pandaroc1]

Cool story and interview.

[@Beatjoy5511]

My hero right here. Everything he's done i connect to

[@mastamere]

I freaking love these compex hustle episodes. PLEASE NEVEr stop these!!!

[@jjfallnov]

Favorite artist EVER! Automatic like before it even starts.

[@GoldenBoyOdongo]

Got on this a bit late but incredible!! Really humble guy and very inspirational!!

[@ofoufoutos7110]

it feels like im seeing paterns of clothes of 90's that weren't selling , all the failed designers of the 90's have a second chance

[@pedroalarcon332]

hahahahaha so true

[@SmokeDrawRepeat]

Kaws is the face of the Contemporary Art world if you connection to the Contemporary Art world is Hypebeast and Swiss Beats. 👨🏻‍💻

[@MphoWins]

Kaws 🙌 great interview. Humble guy

[@nobodyguy4524]

It's insane to see his journey from where he started to wheres hes at now

[@PaulCarterArt]

Great reminders and inspiring time capsule thanks guys

[@CHiLECHiLL456]

i give it to Kaws. not a fan of his art or those weird toys but i respect his hustle, his ambition and his mindset.

[@Alex-kc7tp]

Thats interesting, what dont you like about him? My personal style literally could not be more different from his but i think his interesting fusion of pop and grafitti art is a very fascinating and well executed one, and creates an interesting internal dialogue around the idea of a traditionally high society and cerebral movement of art combined with a traditionally low society grassroots strictly visual movement of art being conjoined through similar visual patterns and bright color use, along with a focus on the importance around the context the art exists in and the context around the subject matter.

[@californiabobby3858]

KAWS is the F**king BOSS

[@yahia3658]

this guy has two pieces where I live and he sounds exactly like thought he would.

[@scrapart2492]

Very colorful wall ornaments.

[@CheesyGhostOnToast]

Came into this wanting to learn about KAWS, left learning about LIFE...

[@JOSEPHCHARLESCOLIN2024]

New Medium - New Way of Painting - New Way Of Price - See me at my New York Show In 2020 Early in Year & thanks KAWS For Being you & letting Some of US Learn.

[@tshalinekundi7635]

Im not gonna lie ud be GOAT if u got Dapper Dan

[@Suave_TheArtKartel]

Now we talking!!!

[@fatoomgierdien2181]

Very good interviewer!! Thank You.

[@daniesza]

ReallY so Keith Haring and his generation were just waiting for Kaws to transform street art... and really Kaws defines Contemporary art???

[@grandmasterlucien]

"Woke up that morning and thought, thats what i want to do"

[@ogdoublecup]

Those DC shoes go harddddd

[@marcomaldonadosanchez1135]

808s

[@EpyonRoyal]

ayeee

[@hepsfxofficial]

He is soo hard to listen too. Respect what hes done but keep to the art and get spokesman hahahaha. Props to Complex, this whole series is awesome!

[@Friendlyartist.artwork]

Wow I love this guy he is so humble and talented 😍

[@starwarz8479]

This is great! Would love to see more content like this.

[@Markmaro]

Wow how kool I relate so much , that was my time in tuc town az Rosie’s hip hop shop , down town wow good times fun times 90s Nick at nite was our baby sitters !!!!!

[@theartcouch5696]

The colors!!!

[@kaylapost1660]

His advice is great

[@Midichi]

Finally!!!!

[@elvisdias5094]

great interview man

[@apeckx5090]

Kaws is pretty inspiring it turns out

[@lisengel2498]

I love your art. Very Alice, filmede with joy, physical Energy and rhythms. Its very much a knowledge of the body -These paintings seem to radiate play, fun and physical energy . They vibrate being intensely alive -🎵❤️🎶

[@lilfootlover8917]

At 18:03 , there are some dull 808s which are prominent in the back ground music potentially a reference to the Kanye project he worked on

[@DROWZYCHANNEL]

Brian a real Legend

[@zorlaxx_9993]

I genuinely like his artwork don't know why his art is a hypebeat

[@mish_elle1450]

It's because he's worked with Pharrell, Kanye, Bape, Vans, Jordan, Uniqlo, makes figurines etc.

[@DrPepperGucciTomato]

Who else was on StockX and just saw Kaws popping up everywhere

[@lightweightlucas3207]

Zero_YT yep