Home Art & Books Crystal Bridges Museum Announces KAWS: FAMILY Exhibition for 2025

Crystal Bridges Museum Announces KAWS: FAMILY Exhibition for 2025

by Jonathan Currinn
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KAWS FAMILY, 2021 Bronze, paint 86 1/4 in. x 81 1/2 in. x 37 5/8 in. Courtesy of the artist

The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is set to launch an exciting solo exhibition in March 2025, spotlighting the renowned artist KAWS. Titled KAWS: FAMILY, this major show will explore the emotional depth and connection found within the artist’s iconic characters through a wide range of mediums, including drawings, paintings, sculptures, altered advertisements, and product collaborations. This marks KAWS’ debut solo exhibition in Arkansas, offering a unique opportunity for art lovers to experience his work in the state.

Image of KAWS: TIME OFF which shows a pink figure lying on their side.
KAWS TIME OFF, 2023 Vinyl, paint 7 in. x 11 in. x 5 9/10 in. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Brad Bridgers.

At the heart of the exhibition is the sculpture FAMILY (2021), which features four of KAWS’ well-known characters in a familial pose. Much like the sculpture, the exhibition delves into themes of relationships and human emotion, showcasing how these characters—rooted in American pop culture—evoke deeper feelings of familiarity and connection. From pop culture references to personal expression, KAWS’ work resonates with a broad audience, merging familiar visuals with introspective storytelling.

Image of KAWS: LOST FUTURE which shows a canvas showing a barred window in a multitude of bright colours.
KAWS LOST FUTURE, 2023 Acrylic on canvas 86 in. x 72 in. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Farzad Owrang.

Alejo Benedetti, Crystal Bridges’ curator of contemporary art, expressed the impact of KAWS’ work, stating, “Part of the brilliance of KAWS’ work is that he pulls from the world we know. His characters may have recognizable elements of icons from popular culture, but at their core, the human connection is always the strongest throughline. This exhibition is a chance to introduce this great artist to our audiences and invite them to connect with this family of characters in meaningful ways.”

The Crystal Bridges museum which looks like a combination of similar buildings that are nestled amongst a forest and is built just above a lot of water looking like a river.
Aerial of Crystal Bridges looking south. Photo Credit: Safdie Architects

KAWS: FAMILY has been organised by the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and has been adapted to suit the expansive gallery spaces at Crystal Bridges. The exhibition promises to be a unique experience for visitors as it integrates more works than the original AGO show, further cementing KAWS’ status as a contemporary art powerhouse.

A closer shot of the north side of Crystal Bridges museum, showing more of the water and a flat open area.
Close aerial of Crystal Bridges looking north. Photo Credit: Safdie Architects

The exhibition will run from March 15 to July 28, 2025, and is curated by Julian Cox, deputy director and chief curator at the AGO.

KAWS, real name Brian Donnelly, is a globally renowned contemporary artist and designer. Emerging from the New York street art scene in the late 1990s, KAWS has since become celebrated for his distinct visual language, which blends familiar pop culture imagery with his own stylised characters. His work spans multiple mediums, including painting, sculpture, and product design, and is known for its emotional depth, striking colour palettes, and the ability to evoke both nostalgia and introspection. KAWS’ characters, such as “Companion” and “Chum”, have become iconic symbols of modern art, reflecting themes of isolation, family, and human connection. His work has been exhibited internationally, bridging the gap between fine art and popular culture.

A bridge that connects the galleries with floor-to-ceiling windows either side and a bowed wood-like ceiling. There's seats either side allowing visitors to sit and watch the water and the forest.
New bridge connecting two galleries, with view to cafe and natural surroundings. Photo Credit: Safdie Architects

As for the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which was founded in 2005 by philanthropist Alice Walton, the museum has become a major cultural hub, welcoming over 12.2 million visitors since its doors opened in 2011. Nestled on 120 acres of the Ozark landscape in Bentonville, Arkansas, the museum features a collection spanning five centuries of American art, from colonial times to the present day. In addition to its permanent collection, Crystal Bridges hosts temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and public events, with the mission of making art accessible to all. The museum’s architectural design, created by Moshe Safdie, blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings, offering a unique experience where art and nature intertwine.

As Crystal Bridges continues its nearly 100,000-square-foot expansion project, which began in 2022 and is expected to be completed by 2026, the museum remains open. Visitors will witness the transformation firsthand, as refreshed installations and new art pieces are unveiled throughout the campus.

A few people sitting around tables in a cafe area with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the water and the museum gallery buildings.
View from cafe onto new event plaza. Photo Credit: Safdie Architects

For those eager to see this landmark exhibition, KAWS: FAMILY is generously sponsored by General Mills, Hartman Family, and Paradigm Advisors, ensuring that this emotional exploration of family, relationships, and art will reach a wide audience.

Image of KAWS: TAKE which shows a blue figure holding tightly to a plushie of a similar figure in monochrome greyscale.
KAWS TAKE, 2019 Bronze, paint 74 3/4 in. x 36 1/2 in. x 28 1/4 in. Courtesy of the artist

For more information on the museum, you can head over to the official Crystal Bridges website. Tickets for the KAWS: FAMILY exhibition are set to be released soon, you can visit the official KAWS: FAMILY exhibition page on the Crystal Bridges website by clicking here.

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