Egged on by Hunter S Thompson and fuelled by
drugs, Ralph Steadman brought a savage hooliganism to the sedate world of
drawing. How come a well-mannered Welsh choirboy became a hero of America's
counter-culture?
Steadman's most famous work was his illustrations for Hunter
S Thomson’s 1972 cult status book 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas'. Coupled with
Thompson's surreal and scorching prose, Steadman’s images capture the
drug-fuelled road trip which they undertook together. The grotesque police
chiefs, the famous Lizard Lounge and the timeless image of Hunter and his
lawyer driving through the desert are just three of many wild images.
When required to recall the most excruciating embarrassment
they have suffered in their life, most folk need to stop and reflect. That's
not the case with Ralph.
Peacock Visual Arts in Aberdeen has enjoyed a close
association with Ralph over the years. He has produced some fantastic etchings and
screenprints in their workshops.
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