Press Release KAWS + Warhol

For immediate release

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

The Andy Warhol Museum announces KAWS + Warhol, on view May 18, 2024 – January 20, 2025.

In celebration of its 30^th anniversary, The Warhol presents KAWS + Warhol, the first exhibition to examine the dark themes present in the work of both artists. From skulls to car crashes, both artists deploy their signature bright colors and pop culture references while also presenting the lurid spectacle of death. The dark undercurrents in the work of KAWS and Warhol are magnified and brought into plain sight by presenting the two artists together for the first time.

KAWS will also respond to Warhol’s embrace of commercialism by presenting a new series of paintings, sculptures and installations related to his recent commission with General Mills which inserted his signature characters into the packaging for some of America’s most loved cereal boxes including Frankenberry, Frute Brute, Count Chocula and Boo-Berry. The cereal works will be juxtaposed with Warhol’s iconic Brillo Boxes and his lesser-known series of paintings for children.

“KAWS and Warhol share many qualities, from their joyful embrace of commercial ventures to a relentless mining of American culture for inspiration,” said Patrick Moore, director of The Warhol and curator of the exhibition. “However, what most fascinates me with both artists is their ability to delight viewers, especially young people, while exploring dark and serious themes. By pairing these two artists, the museum continues its work to keep Warhol’s legacy relevant and fresh.”

“Warhol’s bold and unapologetic approach to art continues to inspire generations, and his ability to challenge conventional norms through his work is a testament to his visionary genius. As an artist, I am humbled to be part of an exhibition alongside Warhol at his eponymous museum and to contribute to the ever-evolving legacy of one of the greatest artistic minds of our time,” said KAWS.

In response to The Warhol’s new initiative, The Pop District, KAWS will also present a monumental wooden sculpture in Pop Park, directly across from the museum and visible from its entrance space.

To complement the exhibition, a schedule of public programs is being organized and will be announced at a later date.

KAWS + Warhol is curated by Patrick Moore, director of The Warhol.

The exhibition is expected to travel to at least two international venues to be announced.

A press preview of the exhibition that includes a tour with Patrick Moore, director of The Warhol, will take place on Friday, May 17, 2024 at 2 p.m. at The Warhol. Reservations are required. Email press@warhol.org.

The Warhol receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency; and The Heinz Endowments. Further support is provided by the Allegheny Regional Asset District.

The Andy Warhol Museum

Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the place of Andy Warhol’s birth, The Andy Warhol Museum holds the largest collection of Warhol’s artworks and archival materials and is one of the most comprehensive single-artist museums in the world. The Warhol is one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh

Established in 1895 by Andrew Carnegie, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh is a collection of four distinctive museums: Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, and The Andy Warhol Museum. The museums reach more than 1.4 million people a year through exhibitions, educational programs, outreach activities, and special events.

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