Johnny Depp, acclaimed actor and artist, has been the subject of both adoration and scrutiny throughout his career. His latest artistic venture solidifies his standing not just as a star of the screen but as a participant in the world of visual art, particularly through the upcoming exhibition titled "Fear and Loathing," which opens at Aspen Collective this Saturday. This exhibition brings together not only Depp’s artwork but also the works of legendary illustrator Ralph Steadman and the late gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson.
The title of the show references Thompson's iconic book "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," which is hailed as one of the central works of gonzo journalism—a genre where the writer becomes part of the narrative. Matthew Moseley, author of "Dear Dr. Thompson: Felony murder, Hunter S. Thompson and the Last Gonzo Campaign," provides insight, stating, "There’s often a big misunderstanding of what gonzo means. A lot of people think it means just being crazy, but gonzo means being a participant in the events around you. That’s what Hunter did with his journalism." Moseley emphasizes how Thompson's unique contributions defined the genre.
The seminal work first appeared as a two-part story in Rolling Stone magazine back in November 1971 and was later expanded by Thompson and illustrated by Steadman. Depp entered this fascinating narrative world when he portrayed Thompson in Terry Gilliam’s film adaptation of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" back in 1998. Depp’s commitment to the role was astounding; he spent months preparing, even living at Thompson's home. The current exhibit is significant as it marks only the second time Depp’s artwork has been displayed publicly. Alongside Steadman’s illustrations and Thompson’s own artworks, Depp’s pieces will be showcased, underscoring the three’s artistic synergy.
D.J. Watkins, the curator and owner of Aspen Collective, expressed excitement over this unusual gathering of talents: “Viewing all the artworks in the ‘Fear and Loathing’ exhibition, it’s evident how their friendships and history influenced each other’s artistic style.” The exhibition promises to deliver pieces from all stages of the artistic lifecycle stemming from "Fear and Loathing," including sketches, original illustrations, and artifacts related to the infamous gonzo movement.
The unique bond between Depp, Thompson, and Steadman transcended not just art and literature, but also extended to as surreal and extravagant funerary wishes. After Thompson's death, Depp fulfilled his friend's last wish by constructing a cannon to shoot Thompson's ashes, a tribute confirmed by Moseley as one of the significant gestures honoring the legacy of gonzo journalism. According to Moseley, "Johnny pulling off Hunter’s funeral wishes was the biggest tribute Johnny could have made to the legacy of the essence of gonzo."
One of Depp’s ambitious projects, the film "City of Lies," had its challenges as it navigated through the tangled waters of release issues yet was recently slated to debut on streaming service Tubi starting January 1st. This thriller, though not as celebrated as some of his more prominent films, showcases Depp as Russell Poole, the retired LAPD officer investigating the murders of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. Co-starring Forest Whitaker, the film explores the murky waters of corruption and crime within the LAPD.
Although "City of Lies" holds only mixed reviews, Depp and Whitaker’s performances received commendations. It currently holds just 50% on Rotten Tomatoes—a stark reminder of the ups and downs of Depp's extensive film career, yet audiences seem to resonate more positively with it, offering it a more favorable 83% approval rating. The movie's long awaited relevance lies within its poignant portrayal of serious themes, sticking close to the shadows of true crime.
Adding to the intrigue surrounding Depp’s film career, director Tim Burton recently hinted at the potential for future collaborations, noting their previous work together and signaling fans' hopes for more projects between the two artistic minds. "It usually has to be based on the project I’m working on. That’s what film is all about. It’s collaboration and bouncing ideas off the people around you," said Burton.
With the juxtaposition of his artistic endeavors and film career on display, Depp’s legacy appears to hinge on both his tumultuous public image and the fervent fan base he maintains. This past year has proven to be pivotal for Depp, with projects stirring renewed interest and discussions surrounding the depth of his contributions to both cinema and the art world. The Aspen Collective exhibition shines as both homage and exploration of the connections between the three revolutionary figures of gonzo journalism and artistry.
