Discovery

In a remarkable turn of events, an unidentified individual made an extraordinary find at a donation center near a landfill in Ontario last summer. For just $4, they purchased a portrait that has since been attributed to none other than rock legend David Bowie.

Authentication

The painting’s owner, after conducting some initial research online, contacted Rob Cowley, president of Cowley Abbott auction house. Cowley examined the portrait and the label on the back, which clearly identified the work. To confirm its authenticity, he consulted with Andy Peters, an expert on Bowie’s handwriting and artwork. Peters immediately recognized the canvas as part of Bowie’s Dead Heads (or D Head) series.

The D Head Series

The Dead Heads series consists of 47 portraits created by Bowie between 1995 and 1997. Each portrait features a loosely painted head surrounded by vibrant colors and has a Roman numeral title. The painting discovered in the landfill is numbered XLVI and is one of the smaller portraits in the series.

Bidding Frenzy

The portrait is currently up for auction through Cowley Abbott, with bidding expected to close on June 24th. Despite an initial estimate of $9,000 to $12,000 CAD, bidding has already surpassed this estimate on the very first day. As of this writing, the highest bid stands at $22,100 CAD (around $18,000 USD).

Bowie’s Artistic Legacy

David Bowie was not only a renowned musician but also a talented visual artist. He attended art school and later in life exhibited his paintings, sculptures, and prints professionally. Bowie drew inspiration from a range of artistic movements, including the bold colors and expressive style of the early 20th-century German art collective Die Brücke.

Chance Art Finds

While it is uncommon for members of the public to find valuable art in unexpected places, such as landfills or thrift stores, it does happen occasionally. Cowley notes that collectors and those with a discerning eye for art are more likely to make such discoveries. However, in this case, the individual who purchased the Bowie portrait was not an art collector but simply someone who was drawn to its unique aesthetic.

Ziggy Stardust Influence

Some experts believe that Bowie may have drawn inspiration from his Ziggy Stardust era for some of the portraits in the D Head series. The portrait discovered in the landfill features a long-haired figure with a pronounced profile, reminiscent of Bowie’s iconic Ziggy Stardust persona.

Christie’s Sale

In 2018, Christie’s auction house sold a portrait from the D Head series for $27,500 USD. This sale is a testament to the growing demand for Bowie’s visual art among collectors.

Unexpected Masterpiece

The rediscovery of Bowie’s lost painting is a testament to the power of chance and the enduring allure of artistic genius. Despite being purchased for a mere $4 at a donation center, the portrait is now poised to fetch thousands of dollars at auction, proving that even in the most unexpected places, treasures can be found.