Exploring Bowie: A Journey Through Iconic Costumes and Relics at V&A East
A new exhibition space at V&A East in London is showcasing iconic costumes and relics belonging to the legendary musician David Bowie. The exhibition, known as the “David Bowie Centre,” features items like Freddie Burretti's "Life on Mars" costume and Kansai Yamamoto's asymmetrical costume for Ziggy Stardust. These pieces offer a glimpse into Bowie's transformative style and artistic evolution.
Visitors to the exhibition can explore a variety of artifacts from Bowie's personal archive, including a sheet of photographs created for the cover of the album “Aladdin Sane” and a striking coat designed by Bowie in collaboration with Alexander McQueen for the “Earthling” tour. The exhibition also includes the wings worn by Bowie during the “Glass Spider” tour, showcasing the artist's flair for theatrical and innovative costume design.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is a military suit from 1975, the year Bowie released the album "Young Americans." This album marked a departure from Bowie's previous glamorous style as he delved into music of African-American origin. The exhibition offers a comprehensive look at Bowie's career, from his early albums to his later collaborations and artistic endeavors.
Harriet Reed, curator of the contemporary program at V&A East, describes the exhibition as an exciting opportunity to delve into Bowie's extensive archive. The collection includes hand-drawn sketches, lyrics, costumes, instruments, and more, providing insight into Bowie's creative process and artistic vision. The exhibition also features behind-the-scenes footage from Bowie's collaborations with Brian Eno and Tony Visconti on the album “Low.”
The exhibition will rotate every six months, showcasing new exhibits and artifacts from Bowie's career. Dr. Madeleine Haddon, curator at V&A East, explains the challenges of selecting items for the exhibition and highlights the wealth of material available for display. From iconic costumes to handwritten lyrics and unfinished projects, the exhibition offers a multifaceted look at Bowie's creative legacy.
Bowie's ability to reinvent himself over the course of his 50-year career is evident in the exhibition, with costumes from iconic moments like the 1983 “Serious Moonlight” tour on display. The exhibition also sheds light on Bowie's artistic influences, including his love for art and culture. Handwritten lyrics and personal notes offer a glimpse into Bowie's creative process and emotional state during different periods of his career.
The exhibition pays tribute to Bowie's enduring legacy and influence on music, art, and performance. Bowie's posthumous recognition with the BRIT Icon Award is featured in the exhibition, along with a collection of his costumes. These artifacts serve as a reminder of Bowie's ability to constantly evolve and push boundaries in his artistic endeavors, leaving a lasting impact on the world of music and beyond.