The sheer number of artists who have paid tribute to David Bowie since the legend passed away last January is telling of just how deep his influence runs in contemporary pop culture. Birmingham-based visual artist Louis Sidoli recently presented a series of Bowie portraits at Halcyon Gallery on London’s New Bond Street, in an exhibition that celebrated the late artist’s “golden years.” Τhe exhibition borrows its title from Bowie’s 1983 album “The Golden Years,” a compilation of songs recorded by the artist in the 1970's —hence the dates written on each of the portraits. Sidoli’s signature technique of collage and neon lights proved the perfect medium for his subject matter, both for the neon light’s 1970’s vibe and the way it captures Bowie’s kaleidoscopic, glamorous and larger-than-life artistic persona. 

A designer by trade, Sidoli worked in the car industry before turning to the arts, seen in his love for robust materials, technology and diligent attention to detail: Each of his neon portraits is made up of over 180 components, placing his artworks in the area between gadgets and art. Drawing on his experience in industrial manufacturing techniques enables him to fine-tune each step of the process, and customise everything from how reflective the aluminium will be to the colour of the power plug. The exhibition “David Bowie Neon: #goldenyears” was presented at the Halcyon Gallery from 22 -25 September, and will travel to Manchester in November and Birmingham in December 2016. A vividly illustrated exhibition catalogue captures each of the artworks in all their luminous glory, is also available for online viewing.