David Bowie’s iconic album ‘Aladdin Sane’ will turn 50 this year with a host of events being held at London’s Southbank Centre.
Taking place over a two-month period, the ‘Aladdin Sane: 50 Years’ exhibition will explore various aspects of the classic LP, including the creation of the album’s iconic artwork by photographer Brian Duffy.
Held in the Spirit Level at the Royal Festival Hall between April 6 and May 28, it will follow the journey of the iconic lighting bolt portrait and explore how the late star’s various images inspired audiences to reconsider their own identities. .
Curated by Brian’s son Chris Duffy and Geoff Marsh, the exhibition will begin by spotlighting the vibrant music scene of the early seventies and explore the unique relationship between the musician and photographer.
Of his father’s work, Chris said: “My father’s image of Bowie is often called the Mona Lisa of Pop. It’s important to remember it was the result of a short studio shoot using film, which then had to be sent out for commercial processing.
“There were no instant digital images or photoshop then. It’s extraordinary how it’s lasted and been endlessly reworked. Wherever I go in the world, it’s always somewhere on a t-shirt.”
Discussing the ‘Aladdin Sane’ celebrations, Southbank Centre Artistic Director Mark Ball added: “We’re honoured to pay tribute to David Bowie, who made his Southbank Centre debut in 1969.
“The ‘Aladdin Sane’ album cover portrait is considered to be one of the most influential pop culture images of the past half century, and the music remains fresh and contemporary, so we wanted to recognise this major anniversary and reflect on the album and its artwork’s enduring legacy.
“It’s a work that continues to inspire today’s contemporary artists and the gender fluidity of the images still resonate deeply in queer culture in the UK and across the world.”
The exhibition is complemented by the new book, ‘Aladdin Sane 50: The definitive celebration of Bowie’s iconic album and music’s most famous photograph – with unseen images’, which will be released on March 30 by Welbeck. The Southbank Centre Archive will also present a separate free display exploring David Bowie’s history with the Centre, stretching over 50 years, and his ongoing legacy.
Coinciding with the anniversary of the release, music artists will pay tribute to ‘Aladdin Sane’ in the Royal Festival Hall on April 21. Hosted by the Nu Civilisation Orchestra, Mercury Prize nominee Anna Calvi, Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears along with acclaimed R B singer Tawiah, Roxanne Tataei – who has collaborated with the likes of Nitin Sawhney and Shabaka Hutchings – and masked pop maestro Lynks will perform Bowie’s album in full, which includes hits such as The Jean Genie, Drive in Saturday and Lady Grinning Soul.
Meanwhile, in the Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer, two nights of club music will celebrate Bowie’s inimitable persona and influence.
The same day will see DJ collective and community platform Queer House Party will host a packed programme of radical fun, while Afro-Caribbean inspired Queer Bruk will blend dancehall, afrobeats, soca and more for an accessible all-out party the following day.
Across the weekend, there will also be talks and poetry events.
Tickets for the exhibition, live music and talks will go on sale March 1 at 10am GMT.
