Until October 8, 2025, theAlbertina Modern in Vienna is hosting the exhibition Damien Hirst. Drawings, dedicated to one of the leading figures in international contemporary art. Known for his installations, sculptures and paintings, Hirst is less well known for his graphic production. For the first time, his drawings are being presented in a museum exhibition, offering a new look at his creative journey starting with drawings and sketches from the 1980s.
The exhibition is an opportunity to explore the British artist’s design and experimental phases through a collection of sketches and sketches, many of them preparatory for his most innovative works. These works will be accompanied by a selection of related sculptures and paintings for a coherent overview.
One of the exhibition’s central elements is the way Hirst uses drawing: sometimes as a starting point for a more complex work, sometimes as an autonomous expression, and sometimes as a later reflection on already completed projects. In many of his most iconic series, the artist has employed drawings to develop concepts that he considers as fundamental as completed works.
Among the most significant sections is Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable, an ambitious project that blurs the boundaries between fiction and reality, questioning the authenticity of art and historical narratives. The exhibition includes a collection of drawings from this project, which adopt the visual language of classical studies and archaeological documentation.
The exhibition also features the installation Making Beautiful Drawings, conceived in 1994. The work involves the use of a custom-built drawing machine capable of producing images using a rotating disk where colors are applied. Visitors will be able to interact directly with this machine, reliving the participatory experience of the original installation and immersing themselves in Hirst’s investigation of the role of chance in art.
Several Spin Drawings, some of which were generated through this very machine, will also be on display, reflecting the artist’s interest in repetitive patterns, visual patterns, and the balance between control and chance. The exhibition will be complemented by sculptural works from the Natural History series and Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable.
An exhibition to rediscover the central role of drawing in Hirst’s work, offering new insights into his vision and creative method.
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| Vienna, Albertina explores Damien Hirst's graphic production for the first time in a museum |
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