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Just like many others around the globe, I was saddened by the departure of one of the most famous artists of our age – David Bowie. I have to admit, though, my sadness is somehow selfish. I knew that it wouldn’t be long until my turn facing the end of this life, just like my favorite artist who sang me the songs that I grew up listening to.
However, there are some artists behind the mask of sadness, who are simply prompted to promote their freshly-made paintings and prints, to profit from shocked fans who want to pay tribute to David Bowie’s art. On that very same day!
So, instead of sharing arts made on the death of David Bowie, here I would like to share some of his very own beautiful paintings. Let’s pay real tribute to him by celebrating his unique art! David Bowie paintings show a knowledgeable approach to postmodern art, influenced by Frank Auerbach, David Bomberg, Francis Bacon, and Francis Picabia.
More info: veryprivategallery.com
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Self-Portrait
Child In Berlin – 1977
Self-Portrait
Berlin Landscape With JO – 1978
(Portrait of Iggy Pop)
Sketch
Hearts Filthy Lesson – 1995
Self-Portrait – 1978
Inspired by the cover for the album Heroes (Victoria and Albert Museum)
DHead series
Bowie continuously did these modern paintings during his career, but it only went public around 1994.
DHeads II
Ancestor
South Africa series is an exploration of Bowie’s thoughts on the “white ancestor” story, gleaned from his trip to South Africa. The artist wrote: “In 1995 Iman and I took our first trip to South Africa. One of the prevailing stories handed down is that when the first tribes saw the white man they presumed their ancestors were visiting them, as in their mythology, the ancestors appear as a ghost-like white form.”
Ancestor II
Dry Heads Capetown – 1995
Evol For The Missing – 1996
I Am A World Champion – 1977
The Rape Of Bigarschol – 1996
Portrait Of JO – 1976
Squeeze 2000 – 1996
Turkish Father And Son – 1978
Present Future Accepted – 1995
Sketch
Self-Portrait
Sketch
Sketch
The Man Behind It All
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What do you think ?
SiobhanSands 8 years ago
Was just thinking the same. An abstract penis and boobs are not going to make my eyes bleed. Seen worse to be honest :). They wouldn't do that in museums haha!
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KeliMarchbank 8 years ago
I think they have such a strong expressionist feel with the dark themes. The portraits are colorful, and identify the sitter through the connection to the artist. The work is personal, yet it reveals nothing to the viewer. It seems as though the artist kept it to himself. I enjoyed the paintings and sketches but wish I could see them at closer range.
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Eamonn Reilly 8 years ago
I think the first Self-Portrait is the Best I have ever seen. 012-57aace...4111c6.jpg 
Mo Li 8 years ago
Dear Eamonn, great photo! Did you take it? Would it be possible to add it on our article? We can add you in the credits. Also would you have any information about where and when you took it? If you have any others? :-) Best! Greg
Load More Replies...
Sylwia Muzyka 8 years ago
If it painted someone unknown, was that it worthless daubs. But that scribbled a famous person, we all say "wow, what a deep ..." o__O
Karin Morris 8 years ago
I couldn't care less that it's David Bowie. The artwork is hardly "worthless daubs" Do you even enjoy art? or know anything about it? Your mama should have taught you the old adage "if you have nothing nice to say...."
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Lily Quinn 8 years ago
So amazing - adult content though?! That is a disrespect to his immortality
EllaLaing 8 years ago
I find his self portraits to be raw and grim. The lines drawn are harsh and unappealing so in contrast to how he was in life - mild manner and absolutely stunning. In his other paintings, I see the Diamond Dogs era..the mutant no future apocalyptic work that depicted in the George Orwell's road to dystopia..
HansHushan 8 years ago
There are no limits to an unlimited mind ! Such as Daivid was. You can identify lot of influence of German expressionism and "Zeitgeist". There is also a technical lack of practice to be seen, but there is also passion and some talent. These are works from a private David and Schroeder another corner of his labyrinthine creativity. Bertolt Brecht said, you aren't dead as long as somebody is thinking about you.
Very Private Art (Post author) 8 years ago
great comment. Contact me if you want to add it to the article. Very inspiring.
Load More Replies...
Stuart Hartley 2 years ago
Interesting but not skilful and certainly not influential but rather childish in an adult mode.
Whitney McAlea 4 years ago
I have a painting believed to be done by Bowie that I acquired from a family friend. Does anyone know who I can reach out to to have it looked at ?
Stjepko Mamic 5 years ago
Tragic, depressing, weird and miserable, but becouse he is the David Bowie, everyone is thrilled, like Emperor's New Clothes, no one dares to say what he sees
Stjepko Mamic 5 years ago
Tragic, depressing, weird and miserable, but becouse he is the David Bowie, everyone is thrilled, like Emperor's New Clothes, no one dares to say what he sees.
Sofia Freitas 7 years ago
unfortunatly i found that some of david bowie's paintings were censoured for explicit content. there is nothing shameless in this artist' work. the violation of freedom of expression goes on...
Karin Morris 8 years ago
Yea the black outs are ridiculous. The artwork is actually amazing, a bit reminiscent of Van Gogh but really powerful. I am incredibly jealous of someone this artistic. Singer AND painter. Geez.
SiobhanSands 8 years ago
Was just thinking the same. An abstract penis and boobs are not going to make my eyes bleed. Seen worse to be honest :). They wouldn't do that in museums haha!
Load More Replies... KeliMarchbank 8 years ago
I think they have such a strong expressionist feel with the dark themes. The portraits are colorful, and identify the sitter through the connection to the artist. The work is personal, yet it reveals nothing to the viewer. It seems as though the artist kept it to himself. I enjoyed the paintings and sketches but wish I could see them at closer range.
Load More Replies... Eamonn Reilly 8 years ago
I think the first Self-Portrait is the Best I have ever seen. 012-57aace...4111c6.jpg
Mo Li 8 years ago
Dear Eamonn, great photo! Did you take it? Would it be possible to add it on our article? We can add you in the credits. Also would you have any information about where and when you took it? If you have any others? :-) Best! Greg
Load More Replies... Sylwia Muzyka 8 years ago
If it painted someone unknown, was that it worthless daubs. But that scribbled a famous person, we all say "wow, what a deep ..." o__O
Karin Morris 8 years ago
I couldn't care less that it's David Bowie. The artwork is hardly "worthless daubs" Do you even enjoy art? or know anything about it? Your mama should have taught you the old adage "if you have nothing nice to say...."
Load More Replies... Lily Quinn 8 years ago
So amazing - adult content though?! That is a disrespect to his immortality
EllaLaing 8 years ago
I find his self portraits to be raw and grim. The lines drawn are harsh and unappealing so in contrast to how he was in life - mild manner and absolutely stunning. In his other paintings, I see the Diamond Dogs era..the mutant no future apocalyptic work that depicted in the George Orwell's road to dystopia..
HansHushan 8 years ago
There are no limits to an unlimited mind ! Such as Daivid was. You can identify lot of influence of German expressionism and "Zeitgeist". There is also a technical lack of practice to be seen, but there is also passion and some talent. These are works from a private David and Schroeder another corner of his labyrinthine creativity. Bertolt Brecht said, you aren't dead as long as somebody is thinking about you.
Very Private Art (Post author) 8 years ago
great comment. Contact me if you want to add it to the article. Very inspiring.
Load More Replies... Stuart Hartley 2 years ago
Interesting but not skilful and certainly not influential but rather childish in an adult mode.
Whitney McAlea 4 years ago
I have a painting believed to be done by Bowie that I acquired from a family friend. Does anyone know who I can reach out to to have it looked at ?
Stjepko Mamic 5 years ago
Tragic, depressing, weird and miserable, but becouse he is the David Bowie, everyone is thrilled, like Emperor's New Clothes, no one dares to say what he sees
Stjepko Mamic 5 years ago
Tragic, depressing, weird and miserable, but becouse he is the David Bowie, everyone is thrilled, like Emperor's New Clothes, no one dares to say what he sees.
Sofia Freitas 7 years ago
unfortunatly i found that some of david bowie's paintings were censoured for explicit content. there is nothing shameless in this artist' work. the violation of freedom of expression goes on...
Karin Morris 8 years ago
Yea the black outs are ridiculous. The artwork is actually amazing, a bit reminiscent of Van Gogh but really powerful. I am incredibly jealous of someone this artistic. Singer AND painter. Geez.
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