J Balvin | Honors Friend and Artist KAWS

Photographed by Tony Powell

The musical, artistic, and fashion sensation J Balvin presented Brooklyn-based artist KAWS with the Hirshhorn Ball award this past Friday, May 20th. The award was announced at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Ball in Washington, D.C. The museum, made entirely free to make art accessible, honored the artist for his meaningful contributions to the arts community. On their introduction to one another, J Balvin recounts, “I met Brian Donnelly [KAWS] in New York at his art studio. I’m such a huge fan and will forever be a fan of his art. I remember looking at different ways to get in touch with him (through DM, through Pharrell Williams) and finally, we connected and went to his studio, and it was a real connection.”

J Balvin presented the award to his friend Brian Donnelly (KAWS) in a celebration of his achievements, talent, and their shared mission to make art accessible for all. The friends, and collaborators, first became close after expressing a mutual desire to express art and music in a more democratic way. J Balvin says, “Art and music are for everyone, so anything I can do to help others have access to and engage with the works of legends like Kusama, Anderson, and tons of other talented musicians, artists, and designers around the world, is a top priority. As time passes, people grow progressively more aware of the power of music, the influence it yields, and the infinite "good" it can bring to the rest of the world. And I’m humbled to think that I can help spread music and art appreciation worldwide during a time when we all need it most.”