David Bowie‘s Unfinished Musical: “The Spectator“
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A forthcoming exhibition of David Bowie’s archive at the V&A East Storehouse has revealed details of his final project before his passing in 2016: an 18th-century musical titled The Spectator. The work was inspired by a daily newspaper of the same name,published between 1711 and 1712,which chronicled the social customs of London.
Bowie’s notes indicate he was considering several ancient figures as potential protagonists. Among them were Jack Sheppard, a popular thief, and Jonathan Wild, the vigilante responsible for Sheppard’s capture and execution. He also showed a strong interest in the Mohocks, a group of affluent young men known for their disruptive and violent behavior in the streets. The artist’s research delved into the relationship between art, satire, and societal commentary during this period.
Exploring 18th-Century London
The notes demonstrate Bowie’s fascination with the development of art and satire in the early 1700s, including a timeline charting artistic evolution. According to lead curator Madeleine Haddon, he was contemplating “What is the role of artists within this period? How are artists creating a kind of satirical commentary?” The BBC was granted access to Bowie’s materials for the project, including a dedicated notebook and numerous sticky notes that remained on the walls of his New York office, accessible only to him and his personal assistant.
Expert Context
The project reflects a long-held interest in theatrical performance, particularly musical theater, which considerably influenced Bowie’s artistic trajectory. His early career involved attempts to emulate performers like Anthony newley, and he formally studied dramatic arts under Lindsay Kemp. It appears he consistently sought opportunities to create work for a large audience, viewing theatre as a suitable platform for achieving this goal. The unearthed materials suggest a meticulous and detailed approach to historical research, aiming to capture the nuances of 18th-century London society and its artistic landscape.
A Lifelong Passion for Theatre
Theatre held a significant place in Bowie’s creative life. He openly acknowledged his admiration for singer-songwriter and actor Anthony Newley and received training in dramatic arts from lindsay kemp. In a 2002 interview with the BBC, he expressed his enduring desire to write for the stage, with the intention “to have a pretty big audience.”
The notes pertaining to The Spectator, along with the desk where he developed them, will be accessible to the public when the David Bowie Center opens at the V&A East Storehouse in Hackney Wick, east London, on September 13th. The permanent exhibition will showcase 200 items, while a further 90,000 pieces from the archive will be available for viewing by appointment. This new centre builds upon the success of the 2013 David Bowie Is exhibition at the V&A, which became the museum’s most popular show to date. Bowie’s last completed album, Blackstar, was released just two days before his death in January 2016.
Title: David Bowie’s “The Spectator”: Unpacking His Early 18th-Century Art & Satire Project
Uncover the fascinating details of David Bowie’s deep dive into early 18th-century art and satire.
Q: what was the focus of David Bowie’s artistic research project?
A: David Bowie was exploring the early 1700s,specifically the development of art and satire during that period. Lead curator Madeleine Haddon noted he was questioning the role of artists and how they crafted satirical commentary.
Q: What materials did the BBC have access to for this project?
A: For this special project, the BBC was granted access to Bowie’s personal materials. This included a dedicated notebook and numerous sticky notes that were kept on the walls of his New York office.
Q: How did theatrical performance influence Bowie’s artistic work?
A: The project reflects Bowie’s long-held passion for theatrical performance, with musical theater significantly shaping his artistic path. He aspired to create work for a large audience, viewing theater as the ideal platform.
Q: Who were some of bowie’s artistic inspirations in theatre?
A: Bowie’s early career involved trying to emulate performers like Anthony newley. He also formally studied dramatic arts under the guidance of Lindsay Kemp, further cementing his theatrical interests.
Q: What was Bowie’s stated intention regarding his theatrical aspirations?
A: In a 2002 BBC interview, Bowie clearly expressed his enduring desire to write for the stage. His aim was “to have a pretty big audience,” highlighting his ambition for wide reach.
Q: Where will the materials related to Bowie’s “The Spectator” project be accessible?
A: The notes concerning The Spectator, along with the desk where he developed them, will be viewable by the public at the David Bowie Center. This new center opens at the V&A East Storehouse in Hackney Wick, London, on September 13th.
Q: What can visitors expect at the new David Bowie Center at the V&A East Storehouse?
A: The permanent exhibition will showcase 200 items from Bowie’s archive. In addition, a further 90,000 pieces will be available for viewing by appointment, offering an extensive look into his creative life.
Q: How does this new center build on previous V&A exhibitions?
A: This new center expands on the success of the 2013 David Bowie Is exhibition at the V&A. that show became the museum’s most popular exhibition to date.
Q: When was David Bowie’s last completed album released?
A: David Bowie’s final completed album,Blackstar,was released just two days before his death in January 2016.
Explore David Bowie’s dedication to past research and theatrical ambition at the V&A East Storehouse.
