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ALBERTINA MODERN, Vienna – The exhibition focuses on the drawings of Damien Hirst (1965), one of the most influential contemporary artists. While he is widely recognized for his paintings, sculptures, and installations, his drawings have remained relatively less well-known. This is the first museum exhibition dedicated to his drawings, offering an insightful look into his creative process from the 1980s to the present.

The exhibition features sketches and drawings that often served as preparatory works for his major projects, as well as standalone art pieces. A key aspect of Hirst’s approach is the conceptual use of drawing, which varies from initial studies to independent works and retrospective explorations of ideas behind his most famous series.

A significant highlight is Hirst’s ambitious project Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable, which blurs the line between reality and fiction and questions the credibility of art and historical narratives. The exhibition includes a collection of drawings that employ the visual language of classical studies and archaeological documentation.

Among the works on display is also Making Beautiful Drawings, an installation developed in 1994 that uses a custom-built drawing machine. Visitors have the opportunity to interact with this machine, continuing Hirst’s exploration of randomness and process in art.

Additionally, the exhibition features Spin Drawings, created with the same machine, which explore themes of repetition, pattern, and the interplay between control and chance. The show also includes sculptures from his renowned series Natural History and Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable, further illustrating his work across various media.

This landmark exhibition at Albertina Modern offers a new perspective on Hirst’s artistic vision and highlights the fundamental role of drawing in his practice.

The exhibition will be open to visitors from May 7 to October 12, 2025.