ART FILE 21 | "David Bowie is" | "From Art Exhibitions Around the World" Series
Art File 21 | London, UK | Victoria and Albert Museum
The Most Influential Artist of the 20th Century
David Bowie Is
From August 11 (Sunday), the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London will host a retrospective exhibition of David Bowie, one of Britain's most iconic artists. The exhibition looks back at the 50-year journey of a rock star who captivated the world.
Text by Winsome Li (OPENERS)
Musician, Actor, Fashion Icon—A Legendary Trinity
Born David Robert Jones in Brixton, London, in 1947, he began his musical career in earnest in his teens. He officially adopted the name David Bowie in 1965. Now 66, David Bowie, after a career spanning 50 years, remains an iconic pioneer with profound influence on music, fashion, and culture.
His first major retrospective, presented by fashion house Gucci, features over 300 items including Bowie's stage costumes, handwritten lyrics, instruments, photographs, films, music videos, and stage designs. He pursued freedom of personal expression, bringing revolutionary impact to art, design, and pop culture.
Art File 21 | London, UK | Victoria and Albert Museum
The Most Influential Artist of the 20th Century
David Bowie Is
Text by Winsome Li (OPENERS)
An Enduring Pop Culture Icon
A fashion icon of the 1970s, David Bowie consistently sought a unique style through avant-garde costumes and makeup. Among the more than 60 stage costumes on display are the "Ziggy Stardust" bodysuit (1972), flamboyant outfits created by Japanese designer Kansai Yamamoto for the "Aladdin Sane" tour (1973), and the Union Jack coat co-designed by Bowie and Alexander McQueen for the "Earthling" album cover (1997).
Furthermore, the exhibition delves into the creative process of the multi-talented David Bowie. As a musician, he composed, recorded, and produced numerous masterpieces. Beyond music, he also took on the role of designer for everything from stage costumes and sets to album covers. His creations are rich in originality, drawing inspiration from a wide array of sources including Surrealism, musicals, and Japanese Kabuki.
Art File 21 | London, UK | Victoria and Albert Museum
The Most Influential Artist of the 20th Century
David Bowie Is
Text by Winsome Li (OPENERS)
Playing an Alien Rock Star
Another highlight is the chronological display of works that exemplify Bowie's pioneering approach to fantastical entertainment, where fictional characters and narratives were integrated into albums and tours. The concept of "Ziggy Stardust," an alien rock star from his seminal 1972 album, and Ziggy's androgynous style became a major talking point at the time.
For this exhibition, the V&A also interviewed other artists and fans about Bowie's influence. Featured artists include Jeremy Till, Daphne Guinness, and Thurston Moore, who share their thoughts on his music, style, and performance. The video "David Bowie is: blowing our minds" is available on V&A's Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/63249824).
Even half a century after his debut, his influence and popularity remain undiminished. We invite you to experience the allure of the superstar David Bowie at this special exhibition.
David Bowie Is
Venue | Victoria and Albert Museum
Dates | March 23 (Saturday) – August 11 (Sunday)
Opening Hours | 10:00–17:45 (Sun–Thu); 10:00–22:00 (Fri)
Admission | £15.5
Address | Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
Tel. +44 (0)20-7942-2000
www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/david-bowie-is/