The Art of Rock ‘n Roll

Art was, seriously, the ony thing I’ve ever wanted to own -David Bowie

Flowers left at a mural in Brixton, UK

After the passing of the great David Bowie earlier this week, social networks exploded with images, tributes, and remembrances to the many different identities constructed by this rock icon. Seeing Ziggy Stardust next to the Thin White Duke emphasized how adept Bowie was at manipulating the semiotics of fashion, music, and language to push the boundaries of gender, sexual orientation, and class.

David Bowie, Damien Hirst, and Julian Schnabel (by Roxanne Lowit, 1984)

Bowie was inspired by the “traditional” fine art word and his songs, characters, and costumes influenced contemporary artists from the fashion designer Alexander McQueen to architect Rui Grazina. His small art collection, included a Tintoretto, a Rubens, and Gilbert & George.

 

Bowie spoke about his experience in the art world and his opinions of 20th century artists during a 1998 interview with the New York Times.

I’ll leave you with a 1996 live performance of Andy Warhol (Hunky Dory, 1971)