Kenny Scharf

The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza is hosting an exhibition dedicated to Kenny Scharf from 29 September 2026 to 17 January 2027. Scharf was a prominent member of the New York East Village art movement of the 1980s and a pioneer of contemporary urban art, alongside Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, and his mentor Andy Warhol.

As part of the programme dedicated to the Blanca and Borja Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection, the museum presents a showcase centred on the work of Kenny Scharf (Los Angeles, 1958). His work features references to popular culture and surrealism combined with fantastic anthropomorphic figures. His compositions and dazzling colour palette create an immersive experiential effect.

Kenny Scharf's work in painting, sculpture, installations, murals, performance and fashion reflects a firm commitment to creating dynamic art forms that challenge established artistic hierarchies, in tune with the philosophy of pop creators. It is worth noting that his artistic significance transcends this movement: he himself coined the term "pop surrealism" to describe his unique style.

The artist's participation in the 1985 Whitney Biennial marked the beginning of his international profile, a reputation that continues to grow today as his works form part of the collections of prominent museums in the United States, Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands and Japan, among others.