ALBERTINA MODERN in Vienna is set to open “KAWS: Art & Comix,” a major exhibition dedicated to KAWS, exploring the intersection of contemporary art and graphic culture. Opening April 3, 2026, the exhibition positions the artist’s work within a broader lineage of comic-inspired visual practices, highlighting the enduring influence of cartoons and illustrated narratives in fine art.
Tracing KAWS’s evolution across art and popular culture
KAWS is officially bringing his iconic cast of characters to Vienna. The ALBERTINA MODERN museum has announced its highly anticipated upcoming exhibition, “KAWS: Art & Comix,” set to open its doors to the public this spring. Offering a deep dive into the intersection of fine art and popular culture, the expansive presentation explores the universal language of comics, cartoons, and graphic storytelling through the lens of one of the most influential artists of our generation.
“KAWS: Art & Comix” serves as a masterclass in blurring the boundaries between high and low art. The exhibition traces KAWS’s evolution from a 1990s graffiti artist intervening in public advertisements to an internationally recognized figure known for monumental sculptures and collectible works. Consequently, signature characters such as COMPANION and ACCOMPLICE anchor the presentation, including key works like “TIME OFF” (2021) and “SPACE” (2023), which underscore recurring themes of isolation and emotional ambiguity.
Dialogue with contemporary and historical voices
Rather than a traditional solo retrospective, the exhibition situates KAWS within a wider artistic dialogue. The ALBERTINA MODERN brings together a diverse group of artists whose practices similarly engage with autonomy and visual storytelling. As a result, KAWS’s work is presented alongside figures such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Ad Reinhardt, as well as Keith Haring, Peter Saul, Joyce Pensato, and Cosima von Bonin.
Through this curatorial framework, the exhibition emphasizes how comic-based imagery transcends cultural and geographic boundaries. Moreover, it highlights the accessibility of character-driven narratives as tools for social commentary and artistic experimentation.
Expanding the language of comics in contemporary art
Comic characters act as the true leitmotifs throughout the space, moving far beyond mere pop-culture references. In addition, the exhibition includes works by Katherine Bernhardt, Magdalena Suarez Frimkess, and Isolde Maria Joham, reinforcing the continued relevance of animated forms within contemporary practice.
Therefore, the presentation expands the conversation around how gesture, exaggeration, and repetition function as visual languages in modern art. Supported by the Liu Shiming Art Foundation, the exhibition underscores the global resonance of comic aesthetics across disciplines.
“KAWS: Art & Comix” will be on view at ALBERTINA MODERN from April 3, 2026, through September 27, 2026, offering a comprehensive look at how one artist’s visual universe continues to shape contemporary culture.