UWM Underground: The Art of Denis Kitchen takes a broad look at Denis Kitchen (b. 1946) the cartoonist and seminal figure in American comics. We follow him from his undergraduate days here at UW-Milwaukee as a budding illustrator through struggles and triumphs at independent newspapers in Wisconsin. Denis and the daring artists he supported weathered upheaval in an industry increasingly dominated by mainstream, capitalist interests. Through decades of change, Denis remained a force to be reckoned with as an editor and publisher centered around Kitchen Sink Press. But underneath his business acumen and razor-sharp provocations lies an enduring artistic commitment to the surreal and its strange wisdom.

On December 15, 2024, UWM recognized Denis with an honorary Doctorate in Media, Cinema, and Digital Studies. This retrospective celebrates the occasion. In gathering Denis’ surprisingly wide range of works, approaches, and political messages, UWM Underground asks visitors a deceptively simple question: what are comics for? In typical Denis fashion, this exhibition suggests that they might be everything but – or including – the kitchen sink.

Join us for an opening reception honoring Denis Kitchen in the Mathis Gallery on Saturday, December 14th from 2 until 4pm. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.

• Exhibition runs through February 20, 2025
• UWM Emile H. Mathis Gallery
  Mitchell Hall 170
  3203 N. Downer Ave.
  Milwaukee, WI 53211
• Gallery Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am to 4pm

Gallery will be closed between the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters, December 15, 2024 through January 20, 2025.