If that sentence sounds weird to you, well, that’s because it is! But that's exactly what we love about Bowie. Super impressive, but unsurprising - the artist continues to prove himself a pioneer of creative innovation from beyond the stars.
The David Bowie Is . . . the augmented-reality app has just been released, in celebration of what would have been the Starman’s 72nd birthday. Based on the record-breaking museum exhibition of the same name, the app features more than 400 items to explore: video and images from Bowie’s life on and off camera, a musical soundtrack and narration from Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman.
The creators explain that the app gives you access to all the exhibits of the exhibition, “Without the entire exhibition in the intimacy of your own environment, without glass barriers, vitrines, or throngs of visitors.”
Fans understandably flocked to see the exhibition, but the large crowds made it difficult for viewers to really study and take in the sheer magic of the intimate items on display, such as handwritten lyric sheets. Now, thanks to the app you now have the opportunity to explore the entire collection completely undisturbed, under the careful guidance of Gary Oldman.
The David Bowie Is AR mobile app is the first release from a collaboration between the David Bowie Archive and Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., which hosted the exhibition in Tokyo in 2017. They conscripted New York-based studio Planeta to design and develop the AR/VR versions of the original museum experience.
This audio-visual tour collates the prolific career of one the world's most extraordinary artists. It may take a little patience to navigate, but it’s well worth the investment! The AR adaptation takes you on a tour of the museum show, walking through virtual rooms as if you were really there. Complete with 3D renderings of his costumes, videos, handwritten lyrics, storyboards, and even diary entries–all rendered in 360-degree detail for up-close viewing. You can zoom in on lyric sheets and rotate the outlandish costumes a full 360 degrees.
While nothing could ever measure up to the experience of seeing the show in person, with Gary Oldman whispering in your ear about David Bowie’s Aladdin Sane costumes, the app definitely makes for an experience all of its own!
Here at ILYOS, we sure love David Bowie. Is there anyone who doesn't?!? Why not take some dedicated time out for Bowie appreciation with our I Like: David Bowie playlist.
