Stanley Donwood was described by GQ magazine as "the Terry Gilliam of Radiohead", which he hated, saying "a soundbite is a statement designed to preclude intelligent thought". The powerful visual identity he's created for the band is considered so in tune with Thom Yorke's music that the debate still rages as to whether he and Yorke are one and the same, despite the pair accepting their 2001 Grammy Award for best packaging (a limited edition of Amnesiac) together. They met at Exeter University.
Most of the works you see here were direct collaborations with Thom, as in, Mr Yorke did the artwork too in every respect. The exception is the Hail to the Thief series of nine individual acrylic canvasses. These were painted by Stanley in the band's Los Angeles studio during the final recordings of the Hail to the Thief album itself. Radiohead's infamous Oxfordshire HQ contains an art studio for Stanley and Thom to work in.
Stanley's art veers from propagandist graphics to introspective illustrations, but a consistent strength is its combination of deep personal and political emotions with modesty and humour; weighty subjects examined not entirely seriously but certainly respectfully. Notoriously reclusive, Stanley himself doesn't pander to the disingenuous media trend for grandeur, and like many intelligent creatives operating in such a conceited sphere, cannot resist underselling himself. Amongst the collectibles available from his website are a pulp thriller, Catacombs of Terror, 'written in a month for a bet'.
We've finally got our claws into the Old Vic Tunnels and Installation is well underway with last minute additions to the Lazarides team, David Choe and DVS1 joining Stanley Donwood on Day One. Keep posted for Steve Lazarides photo diary over the coming days...
After various trips around Ireland Conor is back in London working hard on his brand new pieces for The Minotaur opening at The Old Vic Tunnels on the 10th October, alongside other Lazarides artists: Antony Micallef, Jonathan Yeo, Doug Foster, Stanley Donwood etc.
A selection of originals and prints by Antony Micallef, Conor Harrington, Ian Francis, Jonathan Yeo, JR, Mode 2, Paul Insect, Stanley Donwood, Vhils and Zevs donned the walls of Lazarides' sister venture Post No Bills in Venice Beach, California. Those of us back in London at the launch of Boxi's new exhibition were certainly jealous of this candid affair. Luckily, there is never any shortage on the art/ fun metre at any event stamped with Laz approval.
Last night 'round the corner at The Outsiders on Greek Street, we proudly welcomed back Stanley Donwood to the gallery with an exhibition of rare screenprints, AP editions and several new releases including the cover for the new Radiohead album debuting this weekend. Fans of all sorts packed into the Dungeon to sip Sailor Jerry's and celebrate in style with the infamous artist himself. Check out these pics from the launch of Works On Paper.
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