David Bowie Is

David Bowie constantly eludes those who attempt to define him; he is multi-faceted and tends to elicit multiple interpretations rather than a concrete definition. He is abstract and eccentric, but those qualities comprise his brilliance and artistic talent.

I finally managed to go to ACMI’s David Bowie Is exhibit, and it was phenomenal to witness. I was given a set of headphones, which I wore as I listened to transcripts where he spoke all about himself and his musical journey. He is a man who thinks outside the box, who endlessly reaches out beyond the horizons in order to create something unique and wonderful. He reads lots of books, loves listening to different types of music, talks to a lot of people, watches films and goes to the theatre.

His success stems from the fact that he vastly explores different contexts and then extrapolates different elements from them in order to create his own masterpieces. He is greatly inspired by the avant-garde movement and this is evident in his work. He does not conform to his record company’s expectations, because he is the creator of his own universe. He has always caused controversy regarding the status of his sexuality, and he therefore encourages us to embrace our own individuality and be whoever we want to be.

I was fortunate enough to view his costumes on display, his album covers, his sketches and artistic displays and screens that showcase his collaborations with other people. I got to see a model display of his Diamond Dogs stage display, and his persona as Ziggy Stardust. Ziggy transcended beyond the status of a character and became Bowie himself, since Bowie wanted the music to look the way it sounded. Ziggy was originally inspired by Bowie’s idol Little Richard, as well as rock n rollers Vince Taylor and the Stardust Cowboy.

Bowie’s 2013 album The Next Day refuelled the global fire that has always been ignited by the love of his listeners. I highly recommend all of you to visit this exhibit, particularly as this weekend is its last weekend in Melbourne and you do not want to miss out on the aesthetic brilliance of it all. It truly offers a heightened sensory experience for us to treasure, and you will be captivated by Bowie’s ability to expand  popular culture with his striking and unconventional ways.