Artwork

Starman

Starman, by Unknown, paint, 1996
Starman, by Unknown, paint, 1996

Starman is a paint painting by Unknown. It dates from 1996 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Starman is a 1996 oil painting by Jennifer Ruicea, portraying David Bowie in a distinctive yellow zip-up jacket set against a predominantly dark green background with a pale, circular accent above his head.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is David Bowie, depicted with short, wavy hair and a serious expression. The bright yellow jacket with brown trim contrasts with the somber green background, while a small, pale circle above his head adds an enigmatic element.

Technique & Style

The painting features bold, vibrant colors and thick, expressive brushstrokes, notably in the hair and jacket. The face is rendered with soft lighting, achieving a smooth skin texture through the strategic use of chiaroscuro to create depth.

History & Provenance

Signed and dated by the artist in the lower right corner, the painting's reverse contains handwritten notes in black marker. It is part of a fan art collection preserved by David Bowie and his archival team.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known