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Most people know David Bowie as a pop star and a performer, but did you know he had a secret talent? Not only did he embrace music and performing arts, but also fine arts. To express himself, he created lots of works that showcase a touch of Neo-Expressionist influences. Meet David Bowie, the painter, and discover his paintings.
David Bowie (1947–2016) showcased his creativity mostly in his music and released many successful albums during a career spanning 5 decades. He was unique throughout his career because he managed to keep up with the latest trends as well as being an icon of fashion and performance. Just like a chameleon, he has transformed himself several times by performing under his alter-egos, such as the flamboyant Ziggy Stardust and the elegant Thin White Duke.
A Private Painter
He didn’t limit himself to music. Bowie also acted in several movies and stage productions. Having a creative mind, it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that he also expressed himself through other arts such as painting.
In the early stages, Bowie didn’t have great ambitions for his painting. It was a private thing and was about problem-solving. Whenever he encountered a creative obstacle in the music he was working on, he would revert to drawing and painting. You can see that, for example, in Turkish Father and Son, a canvas that he made while writing the song Yassassin. The melody has a strong Turkish flavor and the title is Turkish for long life.
The public is more appreciative of Bowie’s music compared to his painting. That is probably why this artistic side of Bowie isn’t very well known. It wasn’t until 1995, when he used a self-portrait on the cover of his album Outside, that he had his first exposition New Afro/Pagan and Work: 1975-1995 at The Gallery in London. A year later, he featured in an art gallery in Basel, Switzerland.
In a way, he longed to be considered as a valid artist, but at the same time, he wasn’t very sure what he was doing. When exhibiting in The Gallery, he stood in the back and watched people standing in front of his work and coming up with their own explanations for what it was. He enjoyed the attention but was also confronted with a lack in his technical skills.
David Bowie, The Head – Outside, 1995, private collection. Art Sheep.
Angie’s Influence
He studied music (baritone sax), art and design at school. Throughout his early career, it became very clear that he didn’t limit himself to his music, but also took part in the design of his costumes. He even designed stage sets. He made several studies for the video clip that accompanies the hit Ashes to Ashes. It must be said that this artistic influence on all that he did can’t be attributed to himself alone. He was greatly supported by Angela Barnett, his first wife.
