The ALBERTINA MODERN presents the artist’s works on paper for the first time
From May 7 to October 12, 2025, ALBERTINA MODERN is showcasing Damien Hirst – Drawings, the first comprehensive exhibition of the British artist’s works on paper. A total of 138 pieces are on display, including 120 drawings that offer rare insights into Hirst’s creative process. The show is further enriched by selected sculptures and an interactive drawing machine.
Drawing as the Origin of Creativity
For Hirst, drawing is a core part of his artistic identity:
“I always saw drawing as the beginning of creativity. It’s raw, it’s personal, it’s where ideas first take shape.”
The exhibition spans from the 1980s to the present day, showing how Hirst’s drawings are not merely preparatory sketches but often stand-alone works or retrospective reflections of ideas that shaped his most iconic pieces.
Interactive Art: The Drawing Machine
One of the exhibition’s highlights is the drawing machine developed by Hirst himself. It explores the interplay of control and chance — a recurring theme in his work. Visitors are invited to use the machine to create their own pieces and take them home afterward.
Times for visitor access to the drawing machine:
- May – August: Mondays from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
- September – mid-October: Tuesdays from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Workshops also include hands-on drawing experiences for both adult groups and school classes.
Sculptures and Transmedia Art
In addition to drawings, selected sculptural works are on view, illustrating the scope of Hirst’s transmedia practice. These include pieces from his “Natural History” series — among them, his iconic formaldehyde shark.
Exhibition Catalogue
An illustrated catalogue accompanies the exhibition, offering deeper insight into Hirst’s graphic oeuvre. The publication is available at the ALBERTINA shop and online.
Visitor Information
- Exhibition period: May 7 – October 12, 2025
- Venue: ALBERTINA MODERN, Karlsplatz 5, 1010 Vienna
- Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Website: www.albertina.at
“Damien Hirst – Drawings” presents a rare opportunity to explore the artistic mind of one of today’s most influential contemporary artists through the lens of his most immediate medium. The show offers an engaging mix of works on paper, sculpture, and hands-on participation — a must-see for art lovers and Hirst fans alike.