The exhibition features works by renowned photographers Clive Arrowsmith, Brian Aris, and Geoff MacCormack, each capturing unique moments in Bowie’s life and career. Beginning with Clive Arrowsmith’s early photography in 1967, when Bowie was still in the band Feather, this collection traces the rise of a legend. Arrowsmith’s early images offer a raw, unfiltered glimpse into Bowie’s formative years. Known for his mastery of lighting and composition, Arrowsmith’s work with Bowie highlights the artist's evolving persona, even before international fame. In one session, Bowie arrived in a blue silk jacket and kickers, instinctively posing without direction, his natural charisma shining through. Arrowsmith used a makeshift cone of black paper to focus light on Bowie’s face, capturing the magnetism that would define his career. This shoot, occurring soon after Bowie began collaborating with makeup artist Pierre Laroche (of Aladdin Sane fame), produced iconic portraits that foreshadowed Bowie’s future personas like Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke. As one of the era’s leading portrait photographers, Arrowsmith’s close relationship with Bowie allowed him to capture both the public and private sides of the artist, creating a visual legacy that bridges Bowie’s roles in music, fashion, and art. In addition to Arrowsmith’s early images, the exhibition also features the work of Brian Aris, including the iconic 1991 shots of Bowie in a lime-green suit by Thierry Mugler. These vibrant photographs were taken in Dublin during the filming of Tin Machine’s You Belong in Rock 'n' Roll music video, a striking visual reminder of Bowie’s ever-evolving style and fashion sense. The Mugler suit photograph, with its bold colors and striking composition, remains one of the most recognizable images of Bowie from this period. Geoff MacCormack, Bowie’s childhood friend and longtime collaborator, also contributes a deeply personal set of images. From 1973 to 1976, MacCormack toured with Bowie as a backing vocalist, dancer, and percussionist, capturing candid, behind-the-scenes photographs that offer an intimate glimpse into Bowie’s life during a time of intense creativity and innovation. Their friendship, which began in their school years, allowed MacCormack to capture rare moments of Bowie’s vulnerability, joy, and introspection as they traveled the world together.

This exhibition not only celebrates Bowie’s artistic and cultural impact but also provides collectors and fans the opportunity to own a piece of history. Each photograph in the collection is signed and numbered, cementing its place as one of the most significant and valuable collections of Bowie imagery available today. Whether through the dramatic, fashion-forward imagery of Brian Aris, the candid, personal moments captured by Geoff MacCormack, or the iconic early portraits by Clive Arrowsmith, Framing Bowie 1967-1991 offers a compelling visual journey through the life of a man who changed the face of music, fashion, and popular culture.

Visit Kalkeriet Contemporary or shop online to acquire signed and numbered photographs from one of the most distinguished Bowie collections available today.