DEAR DIARY // the panic office

The music of Radiohead is obviously unique and inspiring - and they have always broadened this aesthetic into their album covers and artwork. For me it is with great excitement that the artist behind these creative designs held an exhibition as part of Semi-Permanent this year at Carriageworks. This industrial space is a fitting environment for Stanley Donwood’s interactive experience The Panic Office.

There are multitudes of his pieces from the Radiohead albums we all know, as well as album art for Thom Yorke and Atoms For Peace. Stanley Donwood also showcases original paintings, prints, drawings and etchings in different metals. His distinctive style is offset by his use of typography and meaningful written messages. A peep hole in one corner reveals a hidden room showing confronting imagery and a table with strewn rubbish and empty bottles.

While you walk around this dark world there is haunting music playing to add to the atmosphere. This whole landscape reflects Stanley’s views and evokes many feelings about the issues in our society. I love art that is beautifully expressive while still being thought provoking and relevant.