Artist Conversation: KAWS and Chris Ware on Comics, Cartoons, and Willem de Kooning

Dutch-born American artist Willem de Kooning is best known for his ambiguous forms that blur abstraction and figuration, as well as his central role in New York’s Abstract Expressionist movement. But did you know he often infused his work with humor and drew inspiration from comics?
Join artists KAWS and Chris Ware in conversation with Willem de Kooning Drawing curator Mel Becker Solomon as they explore the boundaries—or lack of boundaries—between comics and fine art, so-called “high” and “low” art forms, and the surprising ways de Kooning challenged tradition by channeling his love of cartoons and comics into his irreverent interpretations of classic art historical subjects.
Support for this program is provided by the Allan McNab Endowed Fund.
About the Speakers If you have any questions about programming, please reach out to museum-programs@artic.edu .
Closed captioning will be available for this program. For questions related to accessibility accommodations, please email access@artic.edu .