Renowned British artist Ralph Steadman jokes that “I’ve become something of a pictorial polluter.” Yes, he has been prolific, but six decades of extraordinarily distinctive work—most notably his collaborations with gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson—have made him an icon. More than 100 of his original drawings are featured in a special retrospective exhibition at the downtown Central Library.

Anita O’Brien, who originally co-curated the traveling exhibit at London’s Cartoon Museum, discusses the man, the artist, and the legend he has spawned. Steadman, whose illustrations are instantly identifiable by their expressive lines, emphatic ink splatters, and patent irreverence, is also a sculptor, writer, musician, winemaker, and take-no-prisoners social and political commentator.

Co-presented by the Ralph Steadman Art Collection.