Who was David Bowie?
David Bowie, born David Robert Jones on January 8, 1947, was a British singer, songwriter, and actor who left an indelible mark on the world of music and pop culture. He was a visionary artist known for his unique blend of musical styles, theatrical performances, and ever-evolving personas. Bowie's career spanned several decades, and he remains a cultural icon renowned for his innovation and influence.
Bowie first gained attention in the late 1960s with his album "Space Oddity," featuring the titular track that became a hit during the Apollo 11 moon landing. However, it was in the early 1970s that he truly transformed himself into the enigmatic Ziggy Stardust, an androgynous alien rock star persona that propelled him to international stardom. With flamboyant costumes, theatrical live shows, and hit albums like "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars," Bowie became a symbol of artistic experimentation and gender fluidity.
Throughout his career, Bowie defied categorization, continually reinventing himself and his music. From the glam rock of Ziggy Stardust to the soulful sounds of his "Young Americans" era, the electronic experimentation of the "Berlin Trilogy" (including albums like "Low," "Heroes," and "Lodger"), and the pop sensibilities of the 1980s with albums like "Let's Dance," Bowie's versatility showcased his boundless creativity. His music often delved into themes of identity, alienation, and the human condition.
Beyond his music, Bowie made a mark in the world of acting with roles in films like "The Man Who Fell to Earth" and "Labyrinth." He also ventured into art, collaborating with other artists, and was known for his innovation in music videos, such as the groundbreaking "Ashes to Ashes" video.
David Bowie's influence extended far beyond the realm of music and art; he was a cultural icon who pushed boundaries and challenged conventions. His impact on fashion, sexual identity, and the art of self-reinvention resonates to this day. Even after his passing on January 10, 2016, Bowie's legacy continues to inspire and captivate generations of artists, musicians, and fans around the world.
David Bowie’s art collection
In addition to his iconic contributions to the world of music and entertainment, David Bowie was also known as a passionate and discerning art collector. Throughout his life, Bowie cultivated a deep appreciation for visual arts and assembled a diverse and impressive collection that reflected his eclectic tastes and artistic sensibilities.
David Bowie's interest in art was not limited to a single style or era. He had a knack for spotting unique and groundbreaking pieces that resonated with his sensibilities. His collection included works from a wide array of artistic movements, ranging from surrealism and pop art to contemporary conceptual art. This diversity showcased his open-minded approach to artistic expression and his desire to explore different creative perspectives. He was particularly drawn to modern and contemporary art, and his collection encompassed paintings, sculptures, prints, and other forms of visual expression, showcasing his keen eye for innovative and thought-provoking pieces.
Renowned artists featured within Bowie's collection encompassed a diverse array, from Outsider Art originating with the Gugging Group to notable figures like Frank Auerbach, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Achille Castiglioni, Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Patrick Caulfield, Marcel Duchamp, Harold Gilman, Romuald Hazoumè, Erich Heckel, and Damien Hirst. The collection also embraced Ivon Hitchens, Peter Howson, Leon Kossoff, Peter Lanyon, Wyndham Lewis, the innovative design collective Memphis Milano, Henry Moore, Odd Nerdrum, Winifred Nicholson, Méret Oppenheim, Francis Picabia, Peter Paul Rubens, Egon Schiele, William Scott, Ettore Sottsass, Stanley Spencer, Graham Sutherland, Tintoretto, William Turnbull, Euan Uglow, John Virtue, and Jack Butler Yeats.
One of the most notable artists in Bowie's collection was Jean-Michel Basquiat, a pioneering figure in the New York City art scene of the 1980s. Bowie's friendship with Basquiat led to a deep appreciation for his work, and he acquired several of Basquiat's paintings. These pieces reflected Bowie's affinity for the raw energy and socio-political commentary that characterized Basquiat's art.
What set Bowie apart as an art collector was his willingness to engage with emerging artists and experimental movements. He was known to attend art exhibitions, visit galleries, and engage in conversations with artists to gain insight into their creative processes. His support for new and innovative voices demonstrated his commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and fostering creativity. He viewed his art collection as an extension of his creative exploration, and his eclectic tastes mirrored his own artistic evolution. Bowie's involvement in the art world went beyond simply acquiring works; he immersed himself in the discourse and dialogue surrounding contemporary art, forging connections with artists, critics, and fellow collectors.
Bowie was not only a collector but also a painter and sculptor, with his personal creations forming a segment of his collection. Notably, this encompasses a set of self-portraits he crafted in 1995, one of which graced the cover of his album "Outside."
Bowie's art collection was not solely a private pursuit. In 1994, he even organized an art sale titled "The Bowie Collection" at Sotheby's in London, where he auctioned off pieces from his personal collection. This event offered a glimpse into his artistic passions and allowed others to own a piece of the art that had inspired him.
David Bowie's role as an art collector was a reflection of his multidimensional creativity and his constant quest for inspiration. His collection not only shed light on his artistic tastes but also underscored his impact on the broader cultural landscape, where his influence extended beyond the stage and studio into the realm of visual art.
The 2016 David Bowie Art Auction
The David Bowie Art Auction of 2016 was a significant event that garnered global attention following the iconic musician's passing. Organized by Sotheby's in London, the auction featured a remarkable selection of artworks from Bowie's personal collection. Prior to its auction at Sotheby's, David Bowie's diverse art collection was showcased publicly for the very first time. The entirety of the collection comprises over 200 pieces, encompassing a wide range of artworks from paintings and sculptures to prints. This diverse array represents various artistic styles and movements that had held significance for Bowie over his lifetime.
The auction provided a rare opportunity for art enthusiasts and fans to glimpse the visual inspirations that had fueled Bowie's creative journey. The artworks on display offered insights into his eclectic tastes, his affinity for innovation, and his willingness to engage with both established and emerging artists. Notably, the auction included works by celebrated artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Damien Hirst, and Frank Auerbach, among others.
According to Sotheby's auction house, the estimated value of the collection being sold was approximately $13 million. Before the auction, select pieces were exhibited in Los Angeles, New York, and Hong Kong. The items up for auction accounted for roughly two-thirds of Bowie's complete art collection.
The auction surpassed predictions, with the complete collection fetching £32.9 million (approximately $41.5 million) over a span of two days. The standout piece was Jean-Michel Basquiat’s graffiti-infused artwork "Air Power," which commanded a price of £7.09 million. The London exhibitions alone drew in more than 51,000 attendees, marking the highest attendance for a pre-sale exhibition in the city. The live auctions attracted 1,750 bidders, while an additional 1,000 participated through online bidding.
One of the most striking moments of the auction was the sale of Basquiat's "Air Power," which had initially been estimated at $3.5 million. However, the piece surpassed expectations, selling for a staggering $8.8 million. This sale underscored Bowie's eye for value and his prescient investment in art.
The auction's success highlighted Bowie's enduring influence as a cultural icon, extending beyond the realm of music. It reinforced his role as a tastemaker and trendsetter, with his collection becoming a testament to his insatiable curiosity, artistic exploration, and willingness to challenge conventions.
The event also spoke to the profound connections between art and music, as Bowie's own creative endeavors as a musician and visual artist were intertwined in his collection. Through the auction, collectors and admirers had the chance to own a piece of Bowie's artistic legacy, cementing his lasting impact on both the art world and popular culture.
Ultimately, the 2016 David Bowie Art Auction served as a fitting tribute to a visionary who had continually pushed boundaries and embraced artistic evolution, leaving an indelible mark on the creative landscape.
Selena Mattei
