David Bowie's death really struck a chord in me. Somehow his death means more to me than the passing of most icons of my time. Reflecting on this, I realized why. Bowie was someone who didn't waste his time, didn't feel entrapped by his previous art or his audience's idea of him, and made art through sickness and even after death. He knew from a young age who he was and what he was here on the planet to do.
Art is a living entity. Like a seed that grows into a plant which then bears fruit, if the fruit is not harvested when it's ripe, it starts to decompose. Art is relevant to the time and place that it's made from. If an artist waits too long to finish their work, or to then share it, it's not relevant anymore. Art past its prime is merely fodder for museums, history textbooks, and reflection. It becomes potpourri and taxidermy - pretty and full of what was, but lifeless. Most importantly though, it's no longer able to feed those who need its nourishment the most.
Bowie never let his fruit decompose before sharing it. He didn't let perfection or neurosis or illness slow him down. He was incredibly prolific from a young age up until he died. His continual exploration of art and the world around him fed so many along the way. Iggy Pop said Bowie saved his life because Bowie believed in his work when no one else did. Would that belief have held the same power if Bowie had never believed in his own work enough to finish or share it?
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| 1968 - Starts the mime group to be known as Feathers |
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| 2016 - Still from 'Lazarus' |
