Abstract
- KAWS debuts THERAPY solo exhibition at Galerie Max Hetzler
- Highlights embrace “SPACE (2023),” which reimagines COMPANION as a melancholic astronaut, alongside new work that includes CHUM in existential moments
- The exhibition shall be on view till August 9, 2025
KAWS has unveiled THERAPY, a solo exhibition at Galerie Max Hetzler, marking his first collaboration with the Berlin-based gallery. Recognized for mixing common tradition with effective artwork, KAWS brings his daring gestures, playful compositions and emotionally charged characters to the forefront. The exhibition encompasses a collection of work and a monumental sculpture, exploring themes of human vulnerability and connection by means of his iconic hybrid cartoon figures.
In his new collection of work, KAWS continues his exploration of seriality, that includes variations of “CHUM”, a personality he developed within the late ’90s. Set in opposition to paint-stippled backgrounds, the works juxtapose sharp outlines with spontaneous textures, harking back to spray-painted road artwork. Shadows give the figures a sculptural depth, blurring the road between graphic illustration and effective artwork. A number of compositions depict “CHUM” holding up a canvas, creating an image-within-an-image, whereas others place the character in existential moments.
The exhibition’s focal sculpture, “SPACE (2023)”, presents an iteration of KAWS’ “COMPANION”, a personality first launched as a vinyl toy in 1999. Standing at road stage within the Bleibtreustraße 15/16 gallery, the chrome steel determine reimagines “COMPANION” as a melancholic area explorer, wearing an astronaut go well with with an oxygen tank. As an alternative of holding a flag, it covers its eyes with gloved arms, reflecting themes of resignation and existential contemplation. KAWS’ signature XX motifs, usually used for his characters’ eyes, now adorn the gloves, including to the sculpture’s introspective tone.
KAWS’ THERAPY exhibition will stay at Galerie Max Hetzler till August 9, 2025.
Galerie Max Hetzler
Bleibtreustraße 45,
10623 Berlin, Germany
