KAWS Pesents ‘Therapy’ Solo Exhibition at Galerie Max Hetzler

Summary

• KAWS debuts THERAPY solo exhibition at Galerie Max Hetzler
• Highlights include “SPACE (2023),” which reimagines COMPANION as a melancholic astronaut, alongside new paintings featuring CHUM in existential moments
• The exhibition will be on view until August 9, 2025

KAWS recently debuted the solo show THERAPY at Galerie Max Hetzler, which marks his initial partnership with this Berlin gallery. Renowned for merging popular culture with fine art, KAWS displays his distinctive bold strokes, whimsical arrangements, and emotionally resonant characters in this exhibition. The event showcases a collection of paintings and an impressive sculpture, delving into human fragility and connection via his famous hybrid cartoon figures, which embody these themes.

In his latest collection of artwork, KAWS carries on his study of repetition, showcasing diverse versions of the character “CHUM”, which he initially designed in the late ’90s. These pieces are set against textured backgrounds, blending precise edges with raw, street art-like textures. The use of shadows gives the figures a three-dimensional quality, making it difficult to distinguish between graphic design and fine art. Some paintings depict “CHUM” holding up a canvas, forming an image-within-an-image, while others place the character in contemplative scenes.

The main piece at the exhibition titled “SPACE (2023)” is a reinterpretation of KAWS’ iconic character, “COMPANION”. First seen as a vinyl toy in 1999, this character has been transformed into a melancholic space traveler standing on the gallery floor at Bleibtreustraße 15/16. The astronaut-clad figure is crafted from stainless steel and depicts “COMPANION” as a contemplative cosmic voyager. Instead of holding a flag, it shields its eyes with gloved hands, symbolizing feelings of resignation and deep thought. KAWS’ signature XX symbols, usually used for the characters’ eyes, are now found on the gloves, further emphasizing the sculpture’s introspective nature.

KAWS’ THERAPY exhibition will remain at Galerie Max Hetzler until August 9, 2025.

Galerie Max Hetzler

Bleibtreustraße 45,

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2025-06-13 12:25