Artwork
David Bowie As The Elephant Man
David Bowie As The Elephant Man is an oil painting by the Pop art artist Derek Boshier. It dates from 1980 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Derek Boshier painted David Bowie as he appeared in the 1979 stage show "The Elephant Man.
Derek Boshier painted David Bowie as he appeared in the 1979 stage show "The Elephant Man." Bowie stands barefoot in red pants against a textured green leaf background. The paint is thick in places, thin in others, with visible brushstrokes.
This is a portrait of an icon in character, not a costume study. The handwritten notes on the back tie it to Bowie's 1980s creative phase.
See this at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
Derek Boshier's painting captures David Bowie in character as John Merrick, the 'Elephant Man,' from a 1979 stage production. The work is an oil painting on canvas with a wooden frame, featuring textured brushstrokes and inscriptions on the reverse.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Bowie shirtless and barefoot, wearing red trousers, set against a backdrop of green leaves. It is a representation of Bowie in role, rather than a study of the costume itself, highlighting his embodiment of the character.
Technique & Style
The painting showcases Boshier's use of textured oil paint, with thick and thin applications creating visible brushstrokes. The green leaf background is rendered in a textured style, adding depth to the overall composition.
History & Provenance
The artwork is linked to Bowie's 1980s creative period through handwritten notes on the reverse of the canvas. It is now part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Derek Boshier (19 June 1937 – 5 September 2024) was an English artist, among the first proponents of British pop art.
