A space shaped by struggle, self-reflection, and, ultimately, creative expression, the exhibition traces nearly two decades of art-making as a form of emotional processing and self-understanding. Launched just ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, ‘Radical Honesty’ reminds us that facing ourselves with truth, vulnerability, and compassion is one of the bravest ways to begin the healing process

Although someone as talented as Robbie Williams, with millions in record sales, countless accolades, and sold-out concerts under his belt, might appear to have it all, he has been suffering, and art has been a constant that has helped him through his struggles. However, there's still at least one area where the "Angels" singer felt insecure, and that's being featured as a contemporary artist. "Radical Honesty", Robbie Williams' new solo show at London's glitzy MOCO Museum, showcases over 20 canvas artworks and sculptures that explore themes of anxiety and emotional vulnerability, drawing from Williams' personal experiences with mental health issues. 

At the exclusive opening reception, Williams shared his thoughts on the negativity often directed at celebrities in the art world, “I know what people think about celebrities doing art: F**k off, keep it to yourself.” Reflecting on the criticisms he has faced regarding his art, he continued, “The question is always 'Why?' and it's usually framed dismissively! I wouldn't do anything if I listened to what the critics say. I wouldn't be anyone. I wouldn't go anywhere. And yet, I stand here before you with complete humility." He also expressed his fears about stepping outside his comfort zone, adding, "I was terrified because, in the U.K., you're not allowed to step outside your box, and my box is the pop world. I worry about the backlash I might receive for straying outside my lane. But I'm compelled and obsessed, so I'm doing it!" 

Wiliams has been drawing for nearly two decades. It was only after generating around 1,200 pieces that he started posting on Instagram, and it became more than a deeply personal act. Now, he states he can't stop, “There's dopamine happening when you get a good response” he explains. Typically, Williams draws on paper using water-based Posca pens that contain water-based acrylic paint, resulting in a solid, opaque finish. He also creates art on an iPad, a skill he learned from David Hockney when he was invited to his house and studio in L.A.

‘Radical Honesty’ marks Williams's third collaboration with the MOCO Museum, following previous exhibitions in Barcelona and Amsterdam. Lionel Logchines and his wife, Kim Logchines-Prins, the co-founders of the Moco Museum, the name of which is a portmanteau of "Modern" and "Contemporary" (Art), opened their first venue in Amsterdam in 2016, followed by a second venue in Barcelona in 2021, with the London venue following in 2023 began collecting Williams's works three years ago after discovering the artist's iPad drawings on Instagram, saying they appreciate the humour in Williams's art, as well as the discussions it prompts about mental health issues and how his work resonates deeply with viewers lives and inner experience.

He candidly shares that art is his therapy. Williams has been very open about his battles with anxiety and depression and how these issues have affected his life and career, often leading him into a dark place. He says, “Art serves as my escape; it allows me to express myself without words. When I create, I feel grounded. In his 2019 documentary, ‘Under the Radar’ he discussed how creating art has been a source of support during challenging times. He expressed, "It's where I can release everything. It's emotional and raw, much like life itself." He uses his platform to raise awareness about mental health, highlighting the importance of seeking help and sharing personal struggles. He added, "If I can help even one person feel less alone, then I feel I have accomplished something worthwhile”. 

“I only exist as an artist because of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and David Shrigley”, he says, explaining that these artists, particularly Shrigley, inspired him to realise that being an artist doesn't mean one has to paint like Constable. His art consists of large, comedic cartoons that are visually striking, in part due to their large size, that feature phrases reminiscent of greeting card sentimentality and self-help platitudes such as, "Yes, you are self-centred, but what a marvellous self to be centred on," and "Roses are red, violets are blue, everyone's a dickhead except you". Perhaps the most striking piece is a signpost indicating ‘You and your limiting self-beliefs’ on one side and ‘The Life You Still Could Have’ on the other, suggesting that every path leads to an existence shaped by Williams's self-referential life advice. Coloured drawings are overlaid with slogans such as, ‘I was mentally ill before it was cool’ and ‘You are comfortable feeling uncomfortable. Change that’,  as well as reminders about the importance of self-kindness.

This exhibition has stirred up controversy and posed challenging questions: Is it a sincere exploration of mental health or merely a self-indulgent project driven by his celebrity status? Are we witnessing a genuine attempt to foster discussions about mental health, or is Williams leveraging his struggles for public attention? Williams expresses that his ego is closely connected to his identity as a performer. He views art as a simple adventure and sees himself as a self-taught individual navigating life. He describes creating art as akin to "having a superpower." Despite feeling "blessed" for the chance to create, he confesses that he won't truly believe in the value of his work until someone pays £18,000 ($23,000) to buy one. "I didn't create capitalism, but if it sells, I'll think it's f*****g art." Are  we entertained? Of course we are!

‘Robbie Williams: Radical Honesty’ is on view at MOCO Museum, 1-4 Marble Arch, London until October 24, 2025