When I saw David Bowie’s poster at V&A first time, his cover album really attracted me. His fashion style was famous and impressive in the 1970s. As I started my project about rock music, I found his face as more know about his rock music.
David Bowie with his living expression of pop art, worn, adorn, in song, and in lyrics, his face painted with a pink-and-blue lightning bolt for the Aladdin Sane album cover is also one of the most enduring images of the musician.
The artwork to this 1973 classic (complete with iconic lightning bolt) was a collaboration with photographer Brian Duffy and make-up artist Pierre Laroche. Duffy has previously claimed that the lightning flash was inspired by a symbol on his electric cooker.
The sleeve for 1969 album ‘Space Oddity’ placed a permed Bowie against a blue and green artwork by Victor Varasely.
(Left) The frock coat made from a giant British flag was created by Alexander McQueen when the fashion designer was relatively unknown, but quickly became one of Bowie’s iconic looks of the 1990s.
(Right) Space Oddity’ custom-made costume by Wanda Cobar.
Bowie was the rare artist, created music, fashion style, visual language, and graphic design, who inspired not just adulation but imitation, a desire to inhabit and inhale the glittering spectacle he presented on album covers, in music videos, and on stage. I always remember his electric symbol on his face.