David Bowie - Scary Monster 'Smoking' - London, 1979 (Pre-Matted, Open Edition) by Brian Duffy

About this photograph

In 1980, the last of the five sessions Duffy shot with Bowie over nine years was taken for the Scary Monsters & Super Creeps album. The Pierrot costume was designed by Natasha Korniloff, with Bowie requesting that she make him ‘The Most Beautiful clown in the circus.’

This outfit and makeup were also worn in the 'Ashes to Ashes' music video released in 1980. Images from the shoot featured all three cover versions of the 7" single..

Print size and edition 

15” x 15” Paper size, 10.5” x 10.5” Image size - Open Edition

Print type

Archival pigment print

Paper type

Epson K3 Ultrachrome paper

Signature

Ink rubber stamped en verso

About the photographer

Brian Duffy (1933-2010) was a pioneering British photographer renowned for his work during the "Swinging Sixties" in London. Alongside David Bailey and Terence Donovan, he helped redefine fashion and music photography with his avant-garde style and innovative use of the 35mm camera. Duffy's collaboration with David Bowie spanned five key sessions, including the Aladdin Sane album cover, which cemented his legacy as a visionary. His work remains highly collectible, influencing both fashion and music photography.

Photo Duffy © Duffy Archive. All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced without permission.