The West Coast debut of KAWS lands at SFMOMA this November, offering a rare chance to experience the artist’s iconic characters and cultural commentary in one expansive exhibition.
This fall, San Francisco’s art scene will witness a significant moment as KAWS presents his first major West Coast museum exhibition at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). Titled “KAWS: FAMILY,” the exhibition opens on November 15, 2025, and runs through spring 2026, marking the final stop of its international tour organized by the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Spanning over three decades of the artist’s work, the exhibition features more than 100 pieces, including sculptures, paintings, drawings, and commercial collaborations. Visitors can expect to encounter KAWS’s signature characters—COMPANION, BFF, and CHUM—rendered in various forms and materials, from bronze and wood to vinyl and canvas. These figures, known for their crossed-out eyes and emotive postures, serve as conduits for exploring themes of isolation, connection, and the human condition.
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At the heart of the exhibition is the 2021 bronze sculpture “FAMILY,” depicting the trio of characters in a familial embrace. This piece encapsulates the exhibition’s focus on relationships and emotional resonance, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences of kinship and belonging.
Beyond the gallery walls, KAWS’s influence extends into the realms of fashion and design. The exhibition includes a selection of his commercial endeavors, such as limited-edition toys, apparel, and furniture collaborations, highlighting the artist’s ability to blur the lines between high art and popular culture.
“KAWS: FAMILY” offers a comprehensive look at an artist who has redefined the boundaries of contemporary art. Through his distinctive visual language and cross-disciplinary approach, KAWS continues to engage audiences worldwide, making this exhibition a must-see event on the cultural calendar.
