New Photos of an Unguarded David Bowie by Geoff MacCormack

Previously unseen photographs of the late, great David Bowie will be on view at the Francesca Maffeo Gallery in Essex, United Kingdom, from March 24. The collection is comprised of personal photos taken by producer and photographer Geoff MacCormack between 1973 and 1976 while touring as part of Bowie’s band.

In contrast to the glamorous, posed, and postured Bowie of his performances, these photos reveal a more unaffected and everyday side of the rock star. Over 50 years after the release his self-titled debut album and over 40 years since these photos were taken, MacCormack’s portraits of Bowie feel timeless in their familiar portrayal of supremely human moments.

Whether sleeping, lighting a cigarette, or smiling wide with an open carton of milk, Bowie-at-ease is as elegant as one would imagine. As a close friend, musician, and occasional mime on tour, MacCormack was in the privileged position to view one of the 20th century’s artistic legends as a mere mortal. Consequently, honesty and intimacy are tangible in each shot.

The exhibition will also feature a rare showing of The Long Way Home, a cine-film shot by Bowie himself as he and MacCormack traveled from Japan to Moscow with the Trans-Siberian Express.

The exhibition, entitled David Bowie: The Geoff MacCormack Collection, opens at the Francesca Maffeo Gallery on March 24 and will be on view until April 14, 2018.