Results 1 to 11 of 11

Thread: 'The Return of the Thin White Duke' - Amano's tribute to David Bowie

  1. #1
    Radical Dreamer Fynn's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Tower of the Swallow
    Posts
    18,929
    Articles
    57
    Blog Entries
    16

    FFXIV Character

    Fynnek Zoryasch (Twintania)
    Contributions
    • Former Editor
    • Former Cid's Knight

    Default 'The Return of the Thin White Duke' - Amano's tribute to David Bowie


    On Sunday, January 10th, the world suffered a terrible loss. Choosing the words to describe how powerful David Bowie’s presence was in the artistic world, is difficult. At least to me. Which is why I’ll use these paintings to illustrate what I’m talking about. Because Bowie influenced more than music, and these pictures are one of the things that connect Bowie to Final Fantasy.


    Yoshitaka Amano needs no introduction. A world-renowned artist with a distinct style, he is famous for combining elements of art nouveau and traditional Japanese woodblock prints. In our circle, he is known as the Final Fantasy artist. He has served as the lead character designer for Final Fantasies I through VI. Of note is the design of the Emperor from Final Fantasy II, who is explicitly modeled after Bowie’s portrayal of Gareth the Goblin King.


    Back in 2004, Amano collaborated with Neil Gaiman on a story called ‘Return of the Thin White Duke’. This was not the first time when the two joined forces, but it is strange that this partnership does not happen more often, as Amano’s style and Gaiman’s writing seem to have been made for each other. The sci-fi story is set in a futuristic New York, featuring Bowie’s 1976 persona – the titular Thin White Duke, alongside his wife, Iman. Take a look at some of the artwork from the story and if you’re interested in reading it, it is available as part of a collection on Amazon.



    It’s comforting, really. While he was alive, Bowie was one of those people you thought would never die. But even now, after he actually lost his fight with cancer, he still has a presence. His music is the greatest part of his legacy, of course, but it’s just amazing when you consider how many artists one artist can inspire. Thanks to that, Bowie will live on in our collective consciousness not only through his music, but also through the art of others, including the one and only Yoshitaka Amano.

  2. #2
     Master of the Fork Cid's Knight Freya's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Yer pants
    Posts
    26,207
    Articles
    277
    Blog Entries
    34

    FFXIV Character

    Freya Meow (Sargatanas)

    Default

    His art fits bowie so perfectly!

  3. #3
    Radical Dreamer Fynn's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Tower of the Swallow
    Posts
    18,929
    Articles
    57
    Blog Entries
    16

    FFXIV Character

    Fynnek Zoryasch (Twintania)
    Contributions
    • Former Editor
    • Former Cid's Knight

    Default

    I know, right?

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Location
    Ghost Kingdom
    Posts
    1,546
    Blog Entries
    128

    Default

    That's some brilliant artwork
    Yesterday I watched 'Underground' on you tube. He's a living breathing person to me still, because I can see him on you tube anytime I want. Youtube heaven....where everybody lives forever
    Last edited by Midgar Mist; 01-18-2016 at 01:55 PM.

  5. #5
    Huh? Flower?! What the hell?! Administrator Psychotic's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2002
    Posts
    53,267
    Articles
    71

    Default

    Hell yes Amano.

  6. #6

    Default

    These are gorgeous!
    Hail to the King, baby!

  7. #7
    tech spirit
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Virgo supercluster
    Posts
    17,950
    Articles
    2
    Blog Entries
    2

    FFXIV Character

    Mirage Askai (Sargatanas)

    Default

    Did he make all those between bowie's death and now? He's pretty efficient in that case.
    everything is wrapped in gray
    i'm focusing on your image
    can you hear me in the void?

  8. #8
    disc jockey to your heart krissy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2000
    Location
    in the rain
    Posts
    5,912
    Articles
    1
    Blog Entries
    7

  9. #9
    Radical Dreamer Fynn's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Tower of the Swallow
    Posts
    18,929
    Articles
    57
    Blog Entries
    16

    FFXIV Character

    Fynnek Zoryasch (Twintania)
    Contributions
    • Former Editor
    • Former Cid's Knight

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Mirage View Post
    Did he make all those between bowie's death and now? He's pretty efficient in that case.
    2004

    Reading comprehension is a useful skill

  10. #10
    Memento Mori Site Contributor Wolf Kanno's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Nowhere and Everywhere
    Posts
    19,544
    Articles
    60
    Blog Entries
    27
    Contributions
    • Former Cid's Knight

    Default

    These are gorgeous. I'll have to read the story when I have more time.

  11. #11
    tech spirit
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Virgo supercluster
    Posts
    17,950
    Articles
    2
    Blog Entries
    2

    FFXIV Character

    Mirage Askai (Sargatanas)

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Fynn View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Mirage View Post
    Did he make all those between bowie's death and now? He's pretty efficient in that case.
    2004

    Reading comprehension is a useful skill
    It is, and I've never claimed to possess it.

    Strange that it only popped up now, then.
    everything is wrapped in gray
    i'm focusing on your image
    can you hear me in the void?

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •