In the 2000s, KAWS' art experienced significant growth and transformation, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in contemporary art. This period marked a shift from his early graffiti roots to more commercial successes and international recognition. Early in the decade, KAWS continued to explore and subvert pop culture icons through his art, developing his signature characters like the Companion, a Mickey Mouse-like figure with its eyes crossed out, which became central to his oeuvre. His style, characterized by the emphasis on color, line, and the appropriation of pop culture figures, evolved as he began to deconstruct these icons into abstract paintings. This era also saw KAWS stepping into the world of commercial collaborations, starting with his first vinyl toy with the Japanese brand Bounty Hunter in 1999. His partnerships extended to notable brands such as A Bathing Ape, Medicom Toy, and later on to fashion and lifestyle brands like Nike, Vans, and Hennessy, among others​ (Wikipedia)​. KAWS' work in the 2000s wasn't just limited to collaborations and toys; he also made significant strides in painting. By the mid-2000s, KAWS turned more prolifically to canvas, creating pieces that distorted images of familiar animated characters from The Simpsons, SpongeBob SquarePants, and the Smurfs. His paintings, highly sought after, bridge fine art, pop culture, and parody, showcasing KAWS' ability to navigate and blend these realms seamlessly​ (MyArtBroker)​. One of KAWS' notable achievements in the 2000s was "The KAWS Album" (2005), which exemplifies his approach to reimagining pop culture. This work, a parody of The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper" album cover featuring KAWS’ "Kimpsons" characters, set a new auction record for the artist when it sold for approximately $14.7 million USD in 2019. This piece, along with others like "Untitled (KIMPSONS NO.1)" and "The Walk Home," highlights KAWS’ ability to elevate street art to the high art auction scene, breaking records and challenging traditional art market conventions​ (MyArtBroker)​​ (MyArtBroker)​. Throughout the 2000s, KAWS established himself not only through his distinctive visual language and subversion of pop culture icons but also through his engagement with the digital world and augmented reality. His venture into augmented reality in collaboration with Acute Art and his significant presence on digital platforms like Fortnite showcased his adaptability and innovative approach to art-making in the digital age​ (MyArtBroker)​. The 2000s were a transformative period for KAWS, marked by groundbreaking collaborations, the expansion of his iconic characters into various forms of media, and a notable presence in both the street art scene and the global art market. His work during this time solidified his position as an artist capable of blurring the lines between commercial and fine art, while continuously engaging with a broader audience beyond the traditional confines of the art world.