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| Starman suit. |
Bowie Mania has come to town - and I like it. Record advance ticket sales (an astounding 47 thousand) for the V&A's exhibition and a number one album highlight this 66-year old superstar's enduring appeal. From the Ziggy Stardust neon flash in the foyer, to the floor-to-ceiling surround-sound Bowie Fest in the penultimate room, this exhibition documents the artist's life, sound and vision-style. And if there's one artist who's life is worth documenting in a world-class museum, here he is. Stereo headphones for the soundtrack - thankfully there's no Tin Machine - and banks of video screens for the Man Who Fell To Earth visuals, immerse visitors in the World of Bowie.
More than 300 objects from His Majesty's personal archive - wonky handwritten lyrics, naive sketches, even a crumpled up tissue with Bowie's lipstick on it (much redder than you'd imagine) - are on show for the first time. I'm not a fan of blockbuster shows, Art Rage is something I can live without, but it was worth being jostled by journalists and clobbered by cameramen at this exclusive preview. I loved seeing the stage costumes, over 60 of them - the teeny tiny waisted, pale blue suit from his Life On Mars video, the Aladdin Sane knitted all-in-one, designer gear from McQueen, Mugler and Slimane - plus photos and videos of the artist's many guises, are a reminder of Bowie's radical individualism and his massive influence on fashion, style and popular culture. Not that we ever needed one.
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| Knitted Love: Aladdin Sane |
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| Remember when everyone wore Bowie pants? |
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| Diamond Dogs suit. |
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| Photo: Terry O'Neil. |
Towards the end of the show there's a 'David Bowie is all around you' installation, highlighting his impact on musicians/artists/fashion designers/Tilda Swinton, and The Periodic Table of Bowie by Paul Robertson (poster available in the museum shop). I came away with a Ziggy Stardust lightning flash mirror: That's Not My Face.
As the Jon Savage quote goes, 'David Bowie has lasted. To the public he is beyond a pop star.'
And now I'm off for a lie down. I'll be dreaming of BBC2's feature length profile on Bowie scheduled for May.
The V&A's David Bowie Is exhibition opens on Saturday and runs until August 11. If you can get a ticket, go see it.
We're so looking forward to seeing this!! Can we/should we purchase tickets in advance?
ReplyDeleteHow I would love to see this exhibit! Thankfully, I was able to catch a glimpse through your photos.
ReplyDeleteDeja Pseu - yes you can buy tickets online, I'd book early if I were you before it sells out.
ReplyDeleteHe likes comfy shoes and lived in South London - that's all I need to know ;-)
ReplyDeleteOk, seriously though, I will have to get myself to the V&A for this one, it looks amazing! Lucky you for getting in early. xo
I have to see this! I lurve Bowie, huge fan and have been since the 70s. Will try and book a ticket, thanks for this.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this, I won't be able to attend the exhibit. But I love the Duke forever and have turned him up on my iTunes player just now.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool exhibit! I would love to see it. He did have an influence on fashion.
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ReplyDeleteI was watching this on the Beeb yesterday, it looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteOh, how I'd love to see that. Kid 2 is a massive Bowie fan as well - she'd love it. Might have to go and crank up the iPod :)
ReplyDeleteMy all time David Bowie favourite is the "Little Drummer Boy" duett with Bing Crosby.
ReplyDeleteAnnette
Lady of Style
I really love your blog.
ReplyDeleteMaybe we could follow each other on Bloglovin and/or GFC?
Please leave me a comment on my blog and I will follow you!
http://kstylick.blogspot.com
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis does look good. I'm hoping to get tickets, though I think it will be for May at the earliest!
ReplyDeleteGreat review - you have inspired me to haul my lazy ass up to town to see this
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