Last updated: 27 October 2026
Scott King is the London artist, graphic designer and writer who art directed i-D and Sleazenation before turning his deadpan wit on public art and British culture. Here you will find our take on his work, where it has been shown and how to find it.
Our take on Scott King
King came to art through magazines and record sleeves. He was art director of i-D and creative director of Sleazenation, and has designed for Pet Shop Boys, New Order, Saint Etienne, Malcolm McLaren and the Michael Clark Dance Company, according to his own site.
His art uses the same tools: posters, mock proposals and fake public monuments that poke at grand gestures. His 2014 New York show Totem Motif, at Bortolami, set out to question “the utility and ridiculousness of public sculpture”, in the gallery’s words.
His books are the easiest way into the work, from Art Works (2010) to Lambretta: An eBay Buyer’s Guide (2019).
Scott King: the essentials
- Artist, graphic designer and writer; lives and works in London.
- Art director of i-D, creative director of Sleazenation and a contributing editor to Arena Homme+.
- Professor of Visual Communication at University of the Arts London from 2013 to 2016.
- Shown at the ICA, the Barbican and Studio Voltaire in London, MoMA and White Columns in New York, and the Palais de Tokyo in Paris.
- His work is held by Tate and the National Galleries of Scotland.
Scott King exhibitions
- Totem Motif, Bortolami, New York, 4 September to 4 October 2014.
- We found no current show. No new show has been announced.
Where to find Scott King’s work
We found no editions on open sale when we checked.
- Books: Anxiety & Depression (2009), Art Works (2010) and Anish & Antony Take Afghanistan (2014, with Will Henry) are published by JRP|Ringier. Later titles include Public Art (2016) and Lambretta: An eBay Buyer’s Guide (2019). Contact the artist through his site about other work.
Scott King FAQs
Who is Scott King?
A London artist, graphic designer and writer, formerly art director of i-D and creative director of Sleazenation.
Which bands has Scott King designed for?
Pet Shop Boys, New Order, Saint Etienne, Suicide, Earl Brutus and others, according to his own site.
Where is Scott King’s work held?
Tate and the National Galleries of Scotland hold his work.
Has Scott King written books?
Yes, including Art Works (2010) and Public Art (2016).
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Think we’re missing something, got something wrong, or want to be featured? Contact us.
Main image: Scott King, Joy Division, The Moonlight Club, 4 April 1980, West Hampstead, London, England, 2000. Image courtesy Tate. Framed by CoolCuration. Exhibition dates and prices last checked: 27 October 2026.
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