Compiled in 2015 with David Bowie's own blessing, The Rise of David Bowie, 1972-1973 is a truly unique and affectionate tribute from Mick Rock, Bowie's official photographer and creative partner during a pivotal period. 1972 saw the arrival of Bowie's groundbreaking album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, and with it, the dazzling alter ego of Ziggy Stardust. This glitter-clad, mascara-eyed, sexually ambiguous persona shattered the conventional boundaries between male and female, straight and gay, fact and fiction, birthing a shimmering phenomenon of 70s self-expression.
Together, the Ziggy Stardust album and the spectacular stage show propelled the softly spoken Londoner into the stratosphere of global stardom. Crucially along for this glam rock ascent was fellow Londoner and photographer Mick Rock. Forming a deep artistic and personal bond with Bowie, Rock immersed himself in the singer's inner circle, working as his principal photographer and videographer between 1972 and 1973.
This stunning collection brings together a wealth of spectacular stage shots, iconic and era-defining photo shoots, alongside more intimate and revealing backstage portraits. Featuring a lenticular cover showcasing different Bowie headshots, the book beautifully celebrates Bowie's fearless experimentation and constant reinvention. More importantly, it offers privileged access to the multifaceted nature of his personality and burgeoning fame.
Through images that capture both the aloof rock god and the approachable artist, the playful and the serious, the candid and the carefully constructed, Rock's lens crafts a passionate and enduring tribute to a brilliant and inspirational artist whose creative vision will undoubtedly never be forgotten. This is an essential visual document for any Bowie aficionado, offering a vibrant and intimate glimpse into the creation of a legend.
Dimensions : 23.8 x 3.2 x 33.3 cm
