Gallery Vassie is extremely proud to announce an exhibition by the legendary photographer Brian Duffy (1933 – 2010), of his iconic sessions with David Bowie. This exhibition will coincide with the Bowie show in Groningen.
This exhibition will include photographs from all of the five famous sessions that Duffy worked on with Bowie between 1972 and 1980. Duffy's work was dynamic and inventive - he was a creative visionary.
We will be highlighting his talents by showing well-known images alongside some lesser known gems from Aladdin Sane, Lodger, Scary Monsters (& Super Creeps), The Man Who Fell to Earth, The Thin White Duke and Ziggy Stardust.
“I don’t give a fuck what anybody thinks about me…. I never wanted to be famous. Why? For what? So the doorman at Harrods can recognise me? What I care about is what my kids think about me, and what my grandchildren think of me – the fact that they think I’m a genius is delicious.” – Brian Duffy
Duffy had an eight-year working relationship with David Bowie and shot five key sessions over this period, providing the creative concept as well as the photography for three album covers, including Aladdin Sane – often nicknamed ‘the Mona Lisa of pop’ – Lodger, and Scary Monsters (& Super Creeps). His input had a significant influence on the creation of Bowie’s chameleon-like public image.
“Duffy asked David what the album was to be called, and David replied “A Lad Insane”. Duffy interpreted this as ‘Aladdin Sane’; I guess a genie vision and thoughts of rubbing an Aladdin’s lamp must have appeared to him.” – Chris Duffy
Bowie later told friends that the ‘lad insane’ of the album’s title track was inspired by his brother Terry, who had been diagnosed as a schizophrenic. Our exhibition highlights the work of this creative visionary, and although Duffy wasn’t concerned with his own fame, the legacy he leaves us is unquestionable. He will no doubt continue to inspire for generations to come.
All of these photographs are available to purchase, please contact us for further information.
