This month, 180 Studios in London will host a benefit art exhibition and auction spearheaded by designer George Underwood, the man behind some of David Bowie’s most iconic album covers.
Underwood, a childhood friend of Bowie, will have his work on display as part of a fundraiser for War Child, a charity that supports children in conflict zones.
Sound & Vision will showcase the work of 33 living artists, each inspired by one lyric in David Bowie’s hit Rebel Rebel: “We like dancing, and we look divine.” This will be a one-of-a-kind tribute to the musician, as 2024 marks 50 years since Bowie’s Diamond Dogs album.
Underwood, who met Bowie as a child in Bromley, is best known for designing the covers of the albums Hunky Dory and Ziggy Stardust, amongst others. His friendship with Bowie lasted their entire lives and wasn’t without controversy. A childhood fight over a girl resulted in David Bowie’s mismatched eyes, the most iconic eyes symbolising their relationship.
Works from prominent artists will also be part of the fundraiser, including Ishbel Myerscough, NHS doctor, and artist Joseph Dupré-its work was collected by Wes Anderson, among others like Harland Miller, Micheal Rackowitz, and Patrick Hughes. The exhibition seeks to synthesize art, music, and humanitarian efforts, all in the spirit of Bowie’s creativity and activism.
During the 1990s, Bowie was also supportive of War Child and, with Brian Eno, curated an art exhibition that raised money for the charity. Three decades on, Underwood’s Sound & Vision helps them in their mission to support conflict zone children, including those from Ukraine and Gaza, among others.
Artists Include:
Alice Wilson, Andrew Hart, Aysha Nagieva, Caroline Wong, Charlie Stein, Cheri Smith, Elizabeth Abel, Eric Cruikshank, Fa Razavi, Florence Reekie, George Underwood, Harland Miller, Ioana Baltan, Ishbel Myerscough, Joe Machine, Jonathan Schofield, Joseph Dupré, Julia Soboleva, Katy Stubbs, Leo Costelloe, Lily Macrae, Marie Elisabeth Merlin, Micheal Rackowitz, Monika Marchewka, Noelia Towers, Nick Smith, Nick Grindrod, Patrick Hughes, Peter Messer, Sam Drake, Sol Golden Sato, Stuart Semple, Theo Gorst.
“David Bowie was aware of not just the power of sound but also image – what you see – vision! Beyond making music, Bowie also painted, not just on hotel mirrors, but that was the connection I made when I was asked to make a painting for this project.” – Harland Miller.
The exhibition is on view from September 26 to 27, and Art on a Postcard hosts an online auction from September 17 through October 1. This gives art lovers and Bowie fans a chance to make a difference for a reason: to celebrate the creative legacy of one of music’s most influential figures.