He was a musician, a songwriter, an actor, and a legend. But did you know he started as a painter?
A Soulful Art Legacy: Artworks Made by David Bowie
Just like many others around the globe, I was saddened by the departure of a great artist of our age – David Bowie. I have to admit, though, that my sadness is somehow selfish. I knew it wouldn’t be long until my turn to face the end of this life, just like my favorite artist who sang these songs to me and grew up listening to them. However, there are some artists behind the mask of sadness who are simply prompted to promote their freshly made paintings and prints to profit from shocked fans who want to pay tribute to their hero. On that very same day!
David Bowie’s own art
So, instead of sharing art made on the death of David Bowie, here I would like to share some of his very own body of work. Let’s pay real tribute to him by celebrating his creativity! David Bowie’s paintings show a knowledgeable approach to art, influenced by Frank Auerbach, David Bomberg, Francis Bacon, and Francis Picabia…
German Expressionism
In the spring of 1976, he and Iggy Pop left America ‘and moved to Berlin. They were fleeing the artistic cannibalism of Los Angeles. Berlin gave him access to a new life and new inspirations. And not just about music: Bowie, whose affinity for German Expressionist art far pre-dated his residence in Berlin, executed then a great number of lithographs and many portrait paintings. It had a great influence on his songwriting. He clearly isn’t a master, and there is a technical lack of practice to be seen, but there is also passion and great sensitivity.
“You aren’t dead as long as somebody is thinking about you.” Bertolt Brecht
