The art world pays tribute to David Bowie as tributes fill the internet

The first thing I read on the morning of 11 January 2016 was a facebook post from a good friend of mine who I went to college with but now see nowhere near often enough.  It simply said “utterly devastated by the Bowie news.  Soundtrack to my life.  Thoughts with his family.  Musical giant.”

And that’s what I think a lot of people thought about the musical genius of the man.  The airwaves have been awash with tributes from people from different generations who knew him in different guises.  For me, he was the Goblin King.  I learnt to appreciate his music afterwards but before that Labyrinth was and is one of my favourite movies.  In fact to quote an epic conversation from that great movie…

You remind me of the babe!  What babe?  The babe with the power!  What power?  The power of voodoo! Who do?  You do?  Do what?  Remind me of the babe.

The Bowie mural in Brixton by Jimmy C. Photo also by Jimmy C

One of the most recognisable pieces of art that commemorated Bowie when he lived could and still can be found in Brixton.  Just opposite the station, it’s a piece of work by Jimmy C who has created an iconic portrait using his recognisable bubble style.  On the evening of the announcement of his passing, the mural became an impromptu shrine but it was anything but a morbid wake.  Instead the good folks of Brixton, where he was born, sung and danced the night away

That mural can still be seen and has been photographed and visited by many over the past few days.  There are other tributes though that have been created by multiple artists online and a quick search will reveal many which is a great thing about the artistic community, they are never slow in paying their respects in the best way they know how.

So for this post I thought I’d compile a few of the images I’ve seen online.  There are some great tributes and they represent only a fraction of the work that’s out there and there’s no way I’ve managed to capture them all.  Have a look and see what you think and to quote the great man…

We can be Heroes, for ever and ever.  What d’you say?

David Bowie tribute gallery

Bowie by Eduardo Kobra

Bowie by Constantine Vraziotis

Bowie by Paul Don Smith

Bowie by the London Police

Bowie by C215

Bowie by Graffiti Life

Bowie by Hello Kitty

Bowie by Otto Schade

Bowie by Os Gemeos

Bowie by Luke Cheung

Bowie by Rugman

Bowie by Gnasher

Bowie by Gemma Furbank

Bowie by Dope

Bowie by Artista

Bowie by Float

Bowie by Patrice Murciano