Welcome to the first insertion of DEMUR®, a series where we will be highlighting some of the most interesting topics in all mediums of art. This week we dive into David Bowie’s plethora of personas, a source of expression Bowie frequently used to fabricate his stage identity. From Ziggy Stardust to Thin White Duke, David Bowie unapologetically conformed societal standards to his liking, especially in regard to ‘acceptable’ traits of masculinity. In this post we’ll break down our two favourite characters presented over the years. This includes the lustrous demigod Ziggy Stardust, to the androgynous extraterrestrial Aladdin Sane. A pop-chameleon, relentlessly re-working contemporary art, from the 1970’s.
Ziggy Stardust is by far the most recognized alias of David Bowie. Debuting on Bowie’s 5th studio album in 1972, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, he was often styled by Kansai Yamamoto in skin tight, audacious full-print jumpsuits. David Bowie stood up to suppressive borders the male silhouette had adapted to, strutting avant-garde textiles upon exaggerated tailoring. He did all this under the alias Ziggy Stardust, an “alien sent to earth” most commonly known for the infamous, yet abnormal, golden circle on his forehead. Stardust was swiftly killed off just one year after his creation, ending the most critical point in Bowie’s career.
Aladdin Sane (a-lad-insane), doubled as both his 6th studio album title and eccentric public personality. David Bowie strategically released Aladdin Sane nearing the end of 1973, liberating an alter-ego to his previous alias, Ziggy Stardust. Under a new persona, Bowie revamped his former glam self into an Americana stylistic freak. The album cover featured a bland portrait of the musician, aside from the now infamous streak of lightning running across his face. Aladdin Sane embellished the rather dull 1930’s American aesthetic, consisting of suspenders atop a collared shirt, with loud teal leather jackets and other obscurities, all surrounding the symbolic lightning bolt. Following suit, Aladdin Sane abruptly ended in 1974, via obvious Bowie fashion.
Rest in Peace David Bowie & Kansai Yamamoto.
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