Discussion with Stanley Donwood: The Artistic Connection to Music
Join us for an enlightening evening as renowned visual artist Stanley Donwood discusses his long-standing creative partnership with Thom Yorke, the frontman of the iconic band Radiohead. This event is part of the Ashmolean's new exhibition, "This is What You Get."
The conversation, titled "Stanley Donwood In Conversation: Drawn To Sound," will take place at the Ashmolean's Randolph Sculpture Gallery on Friday, 26th September 2025, starting at 5:45 PM. Booking is essential, and tickets are £15 each. You can secure your spot by booking online at https://www.ashmolean.org/event/stanley-donwood-conversation-radiohead-visuals-c....
Over three decades, Donwood's work with Radiohead has evolved into a deeply intertwined collaboration, where visual art and music shape each other. From the dark and complex themes of albums like OK Computer and Amnesiac to the playful and bright expressions in their recent work with The Smile, Donwood's artwork has consistently reflected and amplified the music.
During the event, Donwood and curator Natasha Podro will delve into the evolution of this partnership, revealing unexpected connections between visual and musical creation, and highlighting their shared willingness to embrace the accidental. The talk will cover Donwood's technique, themes, process, and politics, providing a unique insight into what drives his creative practice.
Stanley Donwood's portfolio extends beyond his work with Radiohead. He has created art for various projects, 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.
Whether you're a fan of Radiohead, a lover of art, or simply curious about the creative process, this event promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most significant artistic collaborations in contemporary music culture. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain exclusive insights into the mind of Stanley Donwood and his creative journey. Book your tickets now!
Please note that the event can also be accessed online via Zoom for those unable to attend in person. We look forward to seeing you there!
Enjoy an evening of stimulating discourse as Stanley Donwood and curator Natasha Podro discuss the intricate relationship between music and visual art in the context of Donwood's work with Radiohead. This conversation, titled "Stanley Donwood In Conversation: Drawn To Sound," will touch upon the evolution of their partnership, highlighting how artistic elements in both music and visuals have synergized over the years.
