KAWS at SF MOMA
This past Sunday I made my way over the bridge to visit the KAWS Family at SF MOMA. The much anticipated exhibition of characters had been popping around the east coast museums before touching down in San Francisco for its west coast debut. The opening day was sold out, but I knew a guy on the inside and we slipped in around 1:30. Fortunately the morning rush had cleared out by this time and we could take the show in without jostling and elbowing strangers.
From the jump, it was awesome. On the street approach there is an inflatable KAWS Companion sitting atop the MOMA taking in the view of the city. Sweet Takeover. Inside the gallery rooms it was full blast KAWS. Full Scale Sculptures, Cartoonish Paintings, Sketches, Sneakers and Cereal Boxes filled the rooms. Each room had its on theme or “family” member and correspondingly its own vibe. The Companion room came off like a proper gallery with large scale paintings and sculptures placed throughout the room. It was cool to see all the linework drawings from the Uniqlo collection. Chum, the Michelin tire guy had a black and white themed room; think racing flags and cars. The Kimpsons were an ode to pop culture appropriation and blister packaging and the Breakfast Cereal Monsters were an over the top collection of early morning zaniness. It was all topped off by the sesame street plushie toy couch. I’m going to need one of those.
I had been seeing the photos from the east coast showings and it didn’t disappoint out west. Loved seeing the old bus ads and the Keith haring photo collab. I still remember the first time I encountered one of the Christy Turlington bus ads back in the LES. I was hooked on his work from that day. Not sure how i’ve made it this far without owning one of his Companion Figures. (If you’re looking to offload one, hit me up. I’m in the market for one).
The show was dope, no doubt about it, and I’m sure i’ll be back again to check it out before it leaves town, but i do have a few critiques…
it’s too small. I wanted more KAWS. I’m pretty sure everyone did.
wish there were some newer works included in this exhibition.
would have liked to have seen a lineup of all the vinyl figures
it was contained to a fourth floor gallery. Would have been cool to have some large scale works in the first floor entry lobby and foyer.
where were the wooden Companion sculptures?
But like I said, it was dope and I’ll be back again before it leaves. You should definitely go check it out, it’s here through May 3, 2026. Meanwhile, i’m going to start working on creating my own plushie couch.