A celebrated icon from the charts to the canvas, Robbie Williams has crafted his legacy as an artist over the years – known for his fearless display of self-expression and honest vulnerability.
Now, opening his visual diary documenting his mental health journey, Williams’ offers a new insight into his artistic expression with a highly-anticipated showcase at London’s Moco Museum.
Everything you need to know about Radical Honesty at Moco Museum
- Dates: From 2 May 2025.
- Opening times: 9am to 8pm (last entry 7pm) Monday to Sunday.
- Location: Moco Museum, Marble Arch (W1H 7EJ).
- Tickets: Entry is included in the standard ticket.
I had the pleasure of visiting the exhibition the day before it opened to get a glimpse into Williams’ self-reflective journey. Filled with pieces that represent his inner self, expect to be faced with a raw, yet wonderfully unapologetic, display of Radical Honesty.
Exploring the idea of self-acceptance
From experiencing ups and downs in his career to feeling the pressures in his personal life, Williams began embracing the light and dark by transforming his personal experiences into thought-provoking art.
After nearly two decades as a visual artist and in the third chapter of his journey with the museum – following the success of previous exhibitions at Moco Museum Amsterdam and Barcelona – Williams invites visitors to join him in embracing vulnerability as a form of strength, set out through a series of new sculptures and daring canvas works.
With a bold and raw perspective, Radical Honesty presents a rounded view of how Robbie views himself, his place in popular culture and his honest responses to both – all with a touch of no-nonsense humour, of course!
Striking canvases and playful taglines
On the second floor of the museum, colourful and approachable works spill across the gallery space. Visually playing with textile, street art and pop art, each piece has its own story to tell – reflecting on Williams’ anxiety, self-love and introversion.
Some works are digital art pieces that reflect his inner monologue, which comedically address social events and interactions, while others are large-scale installations with witty one-liners set against varied images. Boasting a playful yet self-deprecating and sarcastic tone, on many of the artworks there are jokes and statements that sound a lot like conversations you’d have with yourself in your head.
“To be completely honest I’m not sure if we are friends or we’ve just been in the same room a lot in the last 15 years,” sprawls across one canvas. Moving around the exhibition, illustrations of pill bottles line the walls next to squiggly writing that says: “Violets are blue, roses are red, lock the pill cabinet or I’ll steal your meds.” These sobering pieces point to Williams’ lower times in his life, only to be lifted with his trademark witty remarks.
A collection of never-before-seen sculptures
For the very first time, Williams’ expressive style translates as striking physical pieces that use a mix of materials and textures.
“The Introvert's Chair” – a cosy armchair with a canvas on the wall behind spelling out the “rules of engagement”, instructs people not to engage with the seated introvert. While an installation of a marble headstone inscribed with “I’m dead now please like & subscribe” stands in the centre of the room, mocking social media culture.
A more poignant piece comes in the form of “Hoodie”, a giant hoodie with many pockets on its front, each listing a drug or medication the performer has used in the past – laying out his history with addiction and self-medication.
Concluding the very real emotion that lays Robbie bare, other exhibits include a sculpture of the star's son Beau, and one of a female character named Blanche who epitomises Williams' anxiety.
Explore Moco Museum further
Williams’ creations hang alongside other works by the likes of Banksy, Warhol, Daniel Arsham and Kaws, which can be seen during your visit to Radical Honesty.