The great gonzo journalist; Hunter S. Thompson made famous
as much for his erratic behavior, drug abuse and bravado as he was for his
craftsmanship of writing. He excelled with his prose but he did not work alone.
His “criminal” partner was another equally talented, equally erratic, balistically
bombastic and gloriously flamboyant artist; Ralph Steadman.
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The art of Ralph Steadman is intriguing; bold and shocking
with explosions of ideas, and unfettered recklessness. The colorful products of
the hand and mind of the genius/madman; Steadman can equally amuse, shock and
many times disturb. He recently designed a piece for Newsweek magazine. It was a response to the Charlie Hebdo murders. The article “The Right to Offend”
written by Robert Chalmers features exerpts from a conversation between the two
on satire, religion, terrorism and questions of artistic freedom and
responsibility. It is highly recommended reading.
“Looking at what has happened in Paris, I now feel that I
have succeeded. I did manage to change the world, and it is a worse place than
when I started.”
Ralph
Steadman
This comes at a time of extreme low for Steadman and all
lovers of freedom (particularly lovers of satirical illustration and
commentary.) I am not at all certain of Steadman’s observation of his life. He
is as much a hero and inspiration to his supporters and admirers as he is in
any way a detriment. He does what all great artists do he shows the world a
particular truth and in the moments we
are engaged with his work we are distant from the pain of life as we see that
same pain more clearly.
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