Freud’s Afternoon Session – Senon Williams at the Freud Museum London

How does Sigmund Freud continue to influence the creation of contemporary art? Join artists Senon Williams and Holly Stevenson in conversation with curator Georgia Powell on the subject of the continued influence of Sigmund Freud on contemporary artistic practices.

This talk traces Freud’s enduring influence beyond Surrealism into contemporary art. The discussion looks at how artists engage with memory, trauma, identity, and the unconscious, often through subtle gestures, material choices, and the use of everyday objects. Moving through themes of displacement, objecthood, and psychological space, it considers how artists reveal what lies beneath the surface, transforming personal and collective histories into powerful visual language. Set within Freud’s own home, the talk invites audiences to reflect on the unconscious not as theory, but as a living, evolving presence in art.

Both Williams and Stevenson have completed the Freud Artist Residency, and the event coincides with the exhibition opening of ‘Senon Williams: Pleased Beasts’, marking the completion of Williams’ 18th month residency with the Jane McAdam Freud Estate in London, the Czech Republic and Vienna.

Senon Williams is a lifelong visual artist and musician, and a Los Angeles native. Through diverse media from paintings on paper and canvas, to wood sculpture and assemblage, Senon’s work explores poignant visualizations of the inherent human struggle both ancient and contemporary. He finds space in the natural world, exposing stages of human evolution. His love of language play, sounds, textures, and associations of word and object often explore the triumphs and conflicts inherent in identity, history, and community. Senon’s search for truth leaves him amazed and baffled. Creating art is his meditation on meaning, or no meaning in the face of our turbulent existence. We are invited to support or defy multiple conclusions; how do we help and how do we hurt?

The written word and poetry are a consistent part of his practice. He has published four books: Hunted & Gathered (2017, Hamilton Press), Words Don’t Mean Much (Hat & Beard Press, 2021), Rituals (Lauren Powell Projects/Keep or Gift After Purchase, 2023) and Scrapyard (Hat & Beard Press, 2025), as well as multiple zines. Senon’s work has been shown at Five Car Garage (LA), The Hole NYC (LA), Rusha & Co. (LA), PRJCTLA (LA), The Lodge (LA), Auxiliary Projects (NYC), Beyond The Streets, Southampton Arts Center (NY), FT Gallery (Phnom Penh), amongst many others.

Holly Stevenson is an artist and was the inaugural Freud Artist Resident (F.A.R.) at The Jane McAdam Freud Estate in 2025. Her project In Sigmund Freud’s Ashtray is dedicated to reading Freud. Working with ceramic sculpture and psychoanalysis, she has exhibited internationally, most recently at the Jane McAdam Freud Galley in collaboration with the Sigmund Freud Birthplace Museum in Příbor, Czechia.

Georgia Powell is a curator and collection manager, the co-founder of CURA Art and The Residency; platforms aimed at supporting art collectors and encouraging patronage with purpose. Having gained experience in London’s museums, galleries and private collections, Georgia specializes in the professional management, research and display of collections. Georgia is a featured lecturer at Christie’s Education and speaks regularly on the subject of the role of the Collector today. Georgia is Curator of the Estate of Jane McAdam Freud and a Trustee for Plain Sight Archive.

Complement your visit to the Freud Museum with one of our tours or talks led by staff, volunteers and guest speakers.

Afternoon Sessions are free with your admission ticket. Book your admission ticket now!

The event will be held on the first floor of the Museum during regular opening hours. Unfortunately, the Freud Museum does not currently have step-free access. Advance booking is highly recommended, as capacity is limited.

Concessions/Members/Patrons: Please show proof of eligibility/membership card on arrival.