Scharf, Kenny | Untitled (Grinning Whimsy), 2002 — available on Composition Gallery

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Archival pigment print in colours, on Somerset wove paper. Signed in pencil, numbered from the edition of 50. Included in the Hommage À Domberger portfolio. Published by Domberger KG, Fiderstadt, in the original mount with the publisher's blindstamp.

Untitled (Grinning Whimsy) (2002) by Kenny Scharf is a vibrant archival pigment print that fuses playful surrealism with comic energy. A grinning, exaggerated face with bulging features and a spiral chin dominates the composition, set against a patterned checkerboard of vivid yellow and deep blue. The background is filled with abstract, tribal-like motifs that add rhythm and contrast. Scharf’s bold colors, fluid outlines, and whimsical character design reflect his connection to the 1980s East Village art scene and his roots in pop and street art. This print, from an edition of 50, was published by Domberger KG and captures Scharf’s signature fusion of humor, psychedelia, and visual exuberance.

Kenny Scharf (United States, 1958) is a contemporary artist known for his vibrant, cartoon-inspired paintings, sculptures, and installations. Emerging from New York's 1980s East Village art scene alongside Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, Scharf's work blends pop culture imagery with surrealism, often featuring fantastical creatures and cosmic themes. His art has been exhibited internationally, including at the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Kenny Scharf

Untitled (Grinning Whimsy), 2002

Name: Untitled (Grinning Whimsy), 2002
SKU: 16420

Form

Limited Edition Print

Limited Edition PrintA limited edition print is one of a number of prints made at the same time from one printmaking plate. A fixed number are made and signed by the artist, indicating the printing order, using the format 1/10, meaning first of ten prints.

Medium

Archival Print

Archival PrintAn archival print refers to a fine art reproduction of museum quality, created using the highest quality materials and methods. These prints are produced on the finest papers and with inks specifically designed to resist color fading over time. Drawings and paintings are reproduced using a fine art printer with exceptionally high resolution, ensuring longevity and preservation of the artwork.

Edition

Edition of 50

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●Inventory 16420

Sculpture / Object

Mixed Media

Currently Not Available

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Kozmik, 2002

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I want to bring art into the everyday life of everybody.
- Kenny Scharf

Kenneth R. "Kenny" Scharf is an American painter, sculptor, and filmmaker notable for his cartoon-like depictions of hyper-populated scenes in his work.

Scharf studied art at the Pratt Institute and the Art Students League of New York. Scharf's first solo show was at the Tony Shafrazi Gallery in 1982, and his works have been shown at several international art festivals, including the Whitney Biennial (1985, 1987), Venice Biennale (1984, 1999), and Documenta 8 (1987). His early influences include comic strips, cartoons, and toys.

Kenny Scharf's works are often surrealistic depictions of landscapes filled with cartoon-like people in various states of thought and action. His work has been described as "a cross between Walt Disney and Salvador Dali" by art critics due to his trademark subject matter consisting mainly of fragmented human figures in a state of awry. The common themes in Scharf's work are drugs, sexual activities, and outer space, including a series of paintings from the "Space Angels" period, which were inspired by the promotional artwork for pornographic films. (Artist Website)

Artwork by Mr Brainwash

What is graffiti art?

Graffiti art refers to drawings and writings that are painted, scratched, or scribbled on walls or other surfaces, typically in public spaces. This art form ranges from small tags to elaborate wall paintings. Graffiti has been in existence since ancient times, with examples dating back to the Roman Empire, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Egypt.

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Kenny Scharf

Untitled (Grinning Whimsy), 2002

32 x 26 cm

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Kenny Scharf