Emag.co.uk Entertainment News Leader
Having reinvented pop culture during the 1970s and 1980s, David Bowie had become a distant, elusive character as he entered his 60s.
However, 2013 seems set to change all of that. At the age of 66, the pop icon not only has the fastest-selling album of the year in the U.K, he also has the fastest-selling exhibition ever hosted by London’s V&A museum. “David Bowie Is” showcases Bowie’s career from the 1960s to the present day. With unprecedented access to Bowie’s personal archives, this exhibition highlights how fashion, pop music and wider society were influenced by the pioneering pop star’s unique perspective.
Culture:
Bowie had a talent for bringing together elements drawn from different cultures and fusing them together to create a style that was very much his own. From dark German expressionism to flamboyant Japanese outfits, Bowie drew inspiration from a truly eclectic range of influences. He was also a tireless collaborator, working with a wide range of talented artists, including Brian Eno, Bing Crosby and Mick Jagger. The results of these fusions and collaborations are showcased in this comprehensive retrospective.
Fashion:
From the striped Ziggy Stardust bodysuits and stunningly elaborate Aladdin Sane outfits created by Kansai Yamamoto in the early 1970s to the Thierry Mugler suit worn with kitten heels in the 1990s, the fashion that inspired a generation (or two) is also on show. The diversity of the outfits emphasises the massive changes that took place throughout Bowie’s pop career.
The androgynous nature of Bowie’s image influenced many of the pop acts that were to follow him. Bowie’s gender-defying personas helped to pave the way for bands such as Culture Club and the Eurythmics in the 1980s.
Behind the Scenes:
Some if the most interesting exhibits in “David Bowie Is” are the handwritten notes that provide a tiny glimmer of insight in to this complex character. The control that Bowie exercised over every aspect of his shows is revealed in the detailed, handwritten lighting instructions for his Station to Station tour in 1976.
Enduring Influence:
The final room in the exhibition provides visitors with a glimpse of many products that have been influenced by David Bowie over the years. This final stage on the tour is a testament to legacy left by this unique career.
The sheer volume of costumes, videos and music contained in the exhibition is breathtaking. Clearly Bowie has thrown very little away since his career began its ascendancy in the early 1970s. However, the overall effect is visually stunning and well worth a visit. “David Bowie Is” runs at the V&A museum until 11 August 2013.
