David Bowie is
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) has been given unprecedented access to the David Bowie archive to curate the first international retrospective of the extraordinary career of David Bowie – one of the most pioneering and influential performers of modern times.
David Bowie is will explore the creative processes of Bowie as a musical innovator and cultural icon, tracing his shifting style and sustained reinvention across five decades. Approximately 300 never before seen objects and a number of noted collaborations will be brought together for the first time to celebrate the career and life of Bowie. They include handwritten lyrics, original costumes, fashion, photography, film, music videos, set designs, Bowie’s own instruments and album artwork.
The V&A will take an in-depth look at how David Bowie’s music and radical individualism has both influenced and been influenced by wider movements in art, design and contemporary culture. The exhibition will also demonstrate how he has inspired others to challenge convention and pursue freedom of expression.
“David Bowie is a true icon, more relevant to popular culture now than ever. His radical innovations across music, theatre, fashion and style still resound today in design and visual culture and he continues to inspire artists and designers throughout the world. We are thrilled to be presenting the first ever exhibition drawn from the David Bowie Archive,” Martin Roth, Director of the V&A said.
David Bowie is takes place at the V&A from Saturday 23 March – Sunday 28 July 2013.