Inside, the KAWS @ PAFA exhibition creates an almost surreal juxtaposition between PAFA’s collection of 19th-century American art and KAWS’s playful pop-art creations. Respectful and aware of the historical importance of the venue and the tradition it represents, KAWS looked at creating a dialogue between the traditional narrative techniques of the oil paintings in the museum’s historic galleries and his fragmented, mutated, colourfully aggressive cartoon imagery; and the result is direct and visceral in its impact.

KAWS has always been known for his work in the intersection between consumerism and art. This can be traced throughout his career: from his early ''advertisement interventions'' as a young street artist in the 1990’s in New York City, through to his collaborations with numerous commercial brands across the world (including Marc Jacobs, Vans, Nike and Comme des Garçons), not to mention his signature collectible vinyl art-toys – which enjoy an elevated, must-have status amongst his international followers. Since 2010 however, KAWS has been receiving more attention from the more established art world and has been invited to exhibit at art institutions and galleries, with solo exhibitions and commissions for larger-scale works worldwide, leading up to his current show at PAFA.