Interview with David Studwell

Step into the vibrant world of David Studwell, a contemporary British artist and printmaker whose work channels the glamour, grit, and nostalgia of bygone eras. David studied at the prestigious Central Saint Martins School of Art and has been creating art for over two decades. His signature style blends traditional screen-printing techniques with bold, vivid colours and modern flair, often incorporating diamond dust to evoke the glitz of classic Hollywood.

His art pays homage to icons of the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s – figures like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Bob Dylan – while also exploring the darker side of fame through arresting mugshot portraits and candid screen test moments. His work has attracted high-profile collectors including Kate Moss and Nile Rodgers, and has been featured in publications like GQ, Elle, and World of Interiors.

This Q&A with David offers a rare glimpse into his work. From his creative process to his cultural influences. 

Q. Your work often revisits icons from the golden age of Hollywood—what draws you to these figures, and how do you choose who to portray?

Yes-I’m drawn to the golden age of Hollywood as well as the fifties and the sixties-as well as having a certain mystique; these times always strike me as more innocent, more private; less exposed, whilst maintaining an uber cool aura. They were more glamorous somehow.

I’m often drawn to the classics like Brigitte Bardot or Elizabeth Taylor.

Q. You’ve collaborated with legends like Elton John and Terry O’Neill—how did those partnerships shape your artistic process or perspective?

It was great collaborating with Elton and Terry; especially Terry who’s photographs come from eras that I identify with. I’m a big fan of Terry’s images and his subjects fit perfectly into what I’m doing. Many of his subjects like Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn crop up throughout my work-He photographed many of the ‘classics’ like Marilyn Monroe, who’s image you would think becomes fatigued over time but instead becomes more iconic.

Your mugshot series reveals the vulnerable side of celebrity—what message are you hoping viewers take away from these pieces?

I created the mugshot series to show the flaws and vulnerability of celebrity. To show they are human like everybody else-It’s the flaws that make them more human, more real. It’s the imperfection that’s interesting-If David Bowie hadn’t been busted in a hotel for smoking cannabis with Iggy Pop we wouldn’t have ever seen his fabulous mugshot. In an era of instant fame and social media, how do you think the meaning of ‘celebrity’ has changed—and how does your art respond to that shift?

I think that the fifties, sixties and the golden age of Hollywood were times when celebrities had more privacy, and perhaps more respect. They were less photographed than the celebrities of today; adding mystique and mystery to their lives-Unlike now when images of modern-day celebrities appear everywhere. It’s very saturated now and there’s less ambiguity-More was left to the imagination in those bygone eras.

Q. Tell us a little about ’Spaceman’ which is featuring in the summer hang? What’s the story behind it?

‘Spaceman’ is also a throwback to those bygone eras; it’s celebrity in a less glamorous form. Astronauts are treated like celebrities in the USA and John Glenn was the third American in space and the first to orbit the Earth. It’s also a nostalgic nod to the ‘hero’ and it’s also about chasing your dreams.