Upcoming exhibition of Ralph Steadman works spans six decades of his prolific career

Ralph Steadman at home, October 2023. Photo by Rikard Österlund

Upcoming exhibition of Ralph Steadman works spans six decades of his prolific career

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Media Contact: Casey Ihde | OSU Museum of Art Marketing and Communications | 405-744-2783 | mailto:[email protected]

'Ralph Steadman: And Another Thing' takes the viewer on a visual adventure through the culture-shifting and fearless life of one of the most influential artists of our time

The Oklahoma State University Museum of Art will deliver a masterclass in illustration with "Ralph Steadman: And Another Thing," on view Jan. 21-May 10, 2025.

The national touring exhibition spans more than 60 years of the artist's life and artwork. It showcases his legendary collaborations with maverick Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson, his illustrated literary classics such as Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" and Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island," the inventive books he authored such as "I, Leonardo" and "The Big I Am" and so much more.

This remarkable exhibition showcases Steadman's ongoing evolution. It features a selection of 149 original artworks as well as ephemera, including Steadman's sketchbooks, children's books, magazines, personal photographs and handwritten notes that tell a fuller story of how the artworks were born. From Steadman's early years as a student to his political illustrations, social commentary and activism, this exhibition surveys Steadman's nonstop creative passion and collaborations.

"Bringing the works of Ralph Steadman to the campus is a rare opportunity for students and the larger community to interact with the oeuvre of a living, working artist," said Liz Roth, interim director of the OSU Museum of Art. "This retrospective is comprehensive in its scope and ability to speak to visitors of all interests."

"Fear and Loathing in Elko for "Rolling Stone Magazine" 1991.

Beautiful works from "The Gonzovation Trilogy," his collaboration with documentarian and filmmaker Ceri Levy about extinct and endangered birds and animals, sit alongside his more experimental collections such as "Paranoids," caricatures of notable figures from history, entertainment and politics that Steadman created by reworking Polaroid photographs.

"'And Another Thing' allows us to engage audiences with an exhibition that shows Steadman's artistic evolution from his roots to the artist who continues to flourish, innovate and be in demand at 88 years old with interest from brands such as Nike, Harley-Davidson and Supreme, with whom he collaborated in the last three years." said Sadie Williams, director of the Ralph Steadman Art Collection.

As one of the most influential illustrators and comic artists of the last six decades, Steadman is famous for his long collaboration with journalist and author Hunter S. Thompson, notably illustrating "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." Through their storytelling, in which the topic becomes almost secondary to the personality of the artists and work, "Gonzo" journalism was born. The new way of covering news, named by Boston Globe journalist Bill Cardoso, is prominent in today's online news sources, editorial pieces, social media, videos, political punditry and podcasts. While "And Another Thing" pays tribute to Thompson and Steadman's future-defining meeting, the exhibition leads viewers on a journey that is much more than a Gonzo exploration.  

"Self Poortrait" 2006

"Steadman is well known for his direct and visceral drawing style and for changing and amplifying the face of satire through his illustrations," said Andrea Lee Harris, the exhibition co-curator. "His art challenges us, teaches us and alters how we see the world. Showcasing Steadman's genius, skill and imagination, the exhibition offers viewers a glimpse into the artist's creative force. He has given us all a great gift and raised the bar for the generations following in his footsteps. Steadman's inspired exhibition will delight diehard fans and uninitiated audiences eager to learn more." 

The exhibition spotlights both the artist's spontaneity and his intense devotion to his craft. "I do not do roughs and I go straight in with ink. I just start drawing and things emerge from the approach," said Steadman. "People ask, 'aren't you worried about making a mistake?' I reply 'there is no such thing as a mistake. A mistake is an opportunity to do something else!"

Works on display will include iconic illustrations for all ages, including Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland," Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island," Kurt Baumann's "Dozy & Hawkeye" and Steadman's "The Little Red Computer" and "That's My Dad." Visitors will engage with art depicting famous writers and musicians and keen observations on politics and society, demonstrated through Steadman's series of portraits of United States presidents. "Vintage Dr. Gonzo," a life-size bronze sculpture by Jud Bergeron, will also be touring with the exhibition.

"This exhibition provides the campus a rare opportunity to help our students learn from the catalog of work of a visual luminary who is still alive and working today," said Chris Whittey, Vennerberg chair of art, department of art, graphic design and art history, at Oklahoma State University.

"Soldiers in Stripes from Alice Through the Looking Glass" 1971.

"Ralph Steadman: And Another Thing" is accompanied by a full-color, 207-page publication of the same name. Special hardcover and softcover editions will be available. 

Following the presentation at the OSU Museum of Art, the exhibition will continue its tour at the Bates College Museum of Art in Lewiston, Maine and the Barry Art Museum at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. It will also tour the West Coast through the fall of 2027.

"Ralph Steadman: And Another Thing" will be on view at the OSU Museum of Art from Jan. 21 to May 10, 2025. More on this exhibition, including programs and events, is available at https://museum.okstate.edu/art/ralph-steadman.html.

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