ZHONG CHENG

KAWS (BRIAN DONNELLY)(b.1974)

Born in New Jersey, USA. Brian Donnelly is currently best known as the artist KAWS. He graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration in 1996. After graduation, KAWS briefly worked for Disney as a freelance animator painting backgrounds. He also contributed to the animated series “101 Dalmatians”, “Daria and Doug”. In the late 90s, KAWS began to design and produce limited edition vinyl toys, he was an instant hit with the global art toy-collecting community, especially in Japan, where the genre is well respected and widespread. In the same year, KAWS, realmad HECTIC and Bounty Hunter collaborated in creating “KAWS Companion,” inspired by Mickey Mouse, the sculpture was first displayed at the New Museum in SOHO, New York. Kaws was later invited for solo painting exhibition in London, New York, Tokyo and more. He continues to work on the brand KAWS as well as creating more personal works. Recent exhibitions include: “CLEAN SLATE” (2014, Shanghai Times Square, China), “KAWS: BFF” (2016, Central Embassy, Thailand); “KAWS: Where the End Starts” (2017, Yuz Museum, Shanghai).

HAJIME SORAYAMA(b. 1947)

Hajime Sorayama is born in Ehime, Japan in 1947. He is most renowned for his precisely detailed, erotic portrayals of feminine robots. In 1965, he attended Christian Shikoku Gakuin University to study English literature, later in 1967 he transferred to Tokyo’s Chuo Art School to study art. He combined metallic medium and eroticism to create robotic pin-up girls. He is also established in the field of illustration and industrial design. He’s design for Sony’s AIBO received the Grand Prize of Best Design Award, his art is also featured on international rock band Aerosmith’s album cover. In 2018, Sorayama collaborated with KAWS to create KAWS COMPANION toy. His recent exhibition includes, “TENGAI 3.0” (2017, ArtDoor Gallery, Taipei); “Sorayama Solo Exhibition” (2017, Wrong Gallery. Taipei); “Sorayama Solo Exhibition” (2002, Bape Gallery, Tokyo).