KAWS. Art & Comix explores the interplay between comics, comic strips, cartoons, and fine art since the second half of the twentieth century. The exhibition at the Albertina Modern juxtaposes KAWS with selected contemporary artists and highlights the artistic autonomy of his figures that combine elements of fine art, pop culture, as well as commercial and public art. The emotional power of KAWS’s characters contributes significantly to their international success.

The exhibition traces a form of art whose motivation is directly rooted in the aesthetics of comics: The graphic impulse, the immediacy of drawing on paper, the engagement with everyday life, the emotionality of fictional characters, and storytelling all play a central role. Comics exist in many cultures as an accessible way of narration in pictures. With a universal and readily legible visual language, comics engage audiences across generations and social class.