Discussing Artistry with Stanley Donwood: Music's Visual Influence
News Article: Stanley Donwood In Conversation: Drawn To Sound
On Friday, 26th September 2025, art enthusiasts and Radiohead fans alike will have the opportunity to witness an in-depth conversation between renowned artist Stanley Donwood and curator Natasha Podro, at the Ashmolean's Randolph Sculpture Gallery. The event, titled "Stanley Donwood In Conversation: Drawn To Sound," will delve into Donwood's creative partnership with Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke, shedding light on the evolution of their collaboration and its profound impact on the band's visual identity.
Tickets for the event, priced at £15 each, are essential for attendance. The discussion will take place from 5.45pm to 7pm, and will be followed by a Q&A session. For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be streamed online via Zoom.
Donwood, known for creating the iconic artwork for various Radiohead albums such as OK Computer, Kid A, Hail to the Thief, and A Moon Shaped Pool, has also collaborated with Yorke on solo projects like The Eraser, Anima, and for Yorke's new band, The Smile.
Beyond his work with Radiohead's records, Donwood's projects span a wide range of mediums, including an early cyber conference, fly-posters, short stories, a pulp-noir-thriller, a record company, book covers for JG Ballard's novels, art direction for a film about nuclear weapons, the artwork for Glastonbury Festival, a book about holloways with Robert Macfarlane, art installations in various cities, and exhibitions worldwide.
The conversation will offer insight into what drives Donwood's solo practice, including technique, theme, process, and politics. His work encompasses drawing, printmaking, digital collage, and text.
In addition to the in-person and online event, the Ashmolean Museum is hosting an exhibition titled "This Is What You Get," showcasing more than 180 pieces from Donwood's collaboration with Yorke. These pieces, which include album covers, sketches, handwritten lyrics, and digital art, underscore the partnership’s enduring influence on the band's identity and the art world's appreciation for their joint creative output.
This event promises to be an enlightening exploration of the connection between visual and musical creation, as well as an insight into the shared willingness of Donwood and Yorke to embrace the accidental and explore new territories in their respective fields. Book your tickets now to secure your spot for this unmissable event.
[1] Ashmolean Museum. (2025). Stanley Donwood In Conversation: Drawn To Sound. Retrieved from https://www.ashmolean.org/events/stanley-donwood-in-conversation
[2] Donwood, S. (2025). The Art of Stanley Donwood. Retrieved from https://stanleydonwood.com/
[3] Radiohead. (2025). Official Website. Retrieved from https://www.radiohead.com/
[4] The Guardian. (2025). Stanley Donwood: The man behind Radiohead's iconic album covers. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jan/01/stanley-donwood-man-behind-radioheads-iconic-album-covers
[5] Grammy Awards. (2022). Best Recording Package - 44th Grammy Awards. Retrieved from https://www.grammy.com/awards/44-grammy-awards/best-recording-package
The art discussion between Stanley Donwood and Natasha Podro on 26th September 2025, titled "Stanley Donwood In Conversation: Drawn To Sound," will feature insights into Donwood's collaboration with Thom Yorke, delving into the evolution of their music-inspired artworks. Aside from his work with Radiohead, Donwood's diverse portfolio includes various musical projects across different mediums, showcasing his expertise in both entertainment and music realms.
