Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a paint painting by the Contemporary Abstract artist George Underwood. It dates from 1976 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
George Underwood’s oil on canvas presents a portrait of David Bowie captured on the set of the 1976 film The Man Who Fell to Earth. Rendered in a limited palette of orange, brown and yellow, the work focuses on the musician’s face and attire, set against an unadorned background that emphasizes the figure.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is shown in a button‑up shirt, overcoat and a light‑colored fedora, his expression illuminated by a soft light that casts subtle shadows beneath his eyes and the hat brim. The composition isolates Bowie, suggesting a moment of quiet concentration amid the film’s production environment.
Technique & Style
Underwood employs smooth, blended brushwork to achieve a gentle glow on the face, while the darker, zigzag‑patterned sweater provides contrast with the lighter hat and skin tones. The restrained color scheme and seamless transitions give the portrait a muted, atmospheric quality.
History & Provenance
The painting is based on a still photograph taken during the shooting of The Man Who Fell to Earth, though the precise date of its creation is not recorded. The canvas is mounted on a wooden frame and secured to the reverse with a metal hook and cord.
Context
Created during the mid‑1970s, the work reflects the collaborative relationship between Underwood, a frequent visual chronicler of Bowie’s career, and the avant‑garde aesthetic of the film. The portrait captures Bowie at a pivotal point in his artistic evolution, bridging his music and cinematic ventures.
Artist & collection
Artist
George Underwood’s small, untitled paintings from the mid-1970s are quiet, flat-color worlds built in bold shapes and soft edges.
