In the 1990s, KAWS, born Brian Donnelly, laid the groundwork for what would become a globally recognized art career, marked by a distinctive blend of graffiti, pop art, and subversive interventions in public spaces. Starting as a graffiti artist in Jersey City and New York, KAWS' early works were characterized by their engagement with the urban landscape, often involving the unauthorized alteration of advertisements to include his iconic skull and crossbones motif with X-ed eyes. This period was crucial in developing his style, marked by bold lines, vibrant colors, and the appropriation of commercial imagery, which he transformed through his unique visual language​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Art in Context)​​ (Brooklyn Museum)​. During this time, KAWS' interventions in public advertisements not only subverted the content but also paid homage to influential artists like Keith Haring, echoing Haring's desire to make art accessible to a wider audience. KAWS' work in the 1990s reflected a deep appreciation for public space as a platform for artistic expression and engagement, laying the foundation for his subsequent exploration of sculpture, product design, and large-scale public projects​ (Brooklyn Museum)​. The late 1990s marked a significant shift in KAWS' career as he ventured into the production of vinyl toys, starting with the iconic Companion figure. This move was partly inspired by his observations of American street culture's popularity in Japan and the collectible toy subculture. The Companion figure, blending cartoon character bodies with a skull-and-crossbones head, became a hallmark of KAWS' art, expanding into various sizes, materials, and colors over the years. These endeavors not only broadened his artistic repertoire but also explored new ways of communicating across cultural lines through the universal language of American cartoons​ (Brooklyn Museum)​. KAWS' art in the 1990s is a testament to his innovative approach to blending street culture with fine art and commercial design. His early graffiti work and public interventions set the stage for a career that would continually challenge conventional boundaries and redefine the possibilities of contemporary art. Through strategic collaborations and a commitment to making art accessible, KAWS democratized and expanded the audience for his work, impacting both the art world and popular culture on a global scale​ (Brooklyn Museum)​.