David Bowie's Final Visual Moments: Portraits and Videos Before Passing

Introduction

David Bowie, the legendary musician and actor, passed away in 2016, leaving behind a significant legacy in the arts. Among his last works were notable visual media, including photographs and music videos that offer glimpses into his final thoughts and feelings. This article explores the last known pictures and videos of David Bowie, providing an insight into his last few months as an artist.

Photoshoots from the Final Year

One of the most renowned photographs of David Bowie before his passing was taken by Jimmy King in December 2015. Released just two days prior to his death, this image is particularly significant as it captures Bowie in a striking and emotive pose. While it is one of the last photos taken of Bowie, it is highly unlikely that it was the very last. The photograph is often celebrated for its foreboding atmosphere, hinting at the surrounding darkness that inevitably followed. This image remains a poignant tribute to Bowie's artistic presence even as it hints at the impending silence and stillness of his passing.

Video-Audio Mediography: Blackstar

David Bowie's last recorded and released album, Blackstar, contains both a titular track and an accompanying film. The titular track "Blackstar" premiered on January 8, 2016, his 69th birthday, and included a music video known for its minimalistic and eerie imagery. In the video, Bowie is seen wearing a disheveled suit, resembling Major Tom from "Space Oddity," now shrouded and tattered. The video portrays a desolate and blackened planet with various disoriented and abandoned structures, mirroring the themes of death and the evanescence of human achievement.

However, the message of the video is stark and disquieting. Throughout the song, Bowie confronts an omnipresent figure personifying death, referred to as The Blackstar. The lyrics are a haunting reminding that even the greatest among us are ultimately nothing compared to the force of death. This video perfectly encapsulates the themes of Blackstar, which is the album's title track and serves as his goodbye note to the world.

The Video to "Lazarus": A Final Vocal Performance

Another notable visual media from Bowie's final period is the video to the song "Lazarus." The song, along with the video, serves as a final performance in the making. In the video, Bowie appears as an ethereal figure framed in close-up, often dubbed as "Button Eyes" due to his distinctive eye makeup. Visually, it is a masterful piece of art that perfectly captures Bowie's enduring presence even as time draws to a close.

The video to "Lazarus" was enlisted as a single promotional film for his album, Blackstar, and was released on December 18, 2015. It features Bowie in a white suit, delivering his final recorded vocal performance. The video was a significant shift from his earlier work, showcasing a more somber and reflective side of Bowie. It is a poignant moment that leaves a lasting impression on fans and observers alike, serving as a remembrance of his final days as an artist.

Conclusion

David Bowie's final visual moments, captured through his last photoshoot and the release of Blackstar and "Lazarus," provide a profound insight into the final stages of his artistic journey. These visual media, particularly the titular track from "Blackstar," and the symbolic video of "Lazarus," serve as both tributes and testaments to the enduring legacy of an iconic artist. They are a reminder of the legacy that Bowie leaves behind and the impact he continues to have on the music and art worlds.

Keywords

David Bowie, final visuals, Blackstar