How Artists Are Remembering David Bowie, One Year Later

A video posted by Helen Green (@helengreeen) on

Jan 10, 2017 at 4:45am PST

January of 2016 was an emotional roller coaster for David Bowie fans. It began with two triumphant singles from his 25th album Blackstar, careened through the rock legend's 69th birthday, the release of the full album, and then his sudden death from a cancer kept secret from all but his closest confidants. One year later, his death is seen as the first in a string of depressing events that made 2016 synonymous with the words "the worst."

The Thin White Duke's posthumous 70th birthday was Sunday, January 8, and today marks the first anniversary of his death. Instagram's creative class is out in melancholy force, sharing their illustrations, photographs, paintings, sculptures, dolls, and other creative tributes in solidarity—the social media equivalent of a black mourning veil. The artists include Mick Rock, who photographed Bowie's various personas throughout his rise, and Helen Green, known for succinctly animating Bowie's haircut repertoire into a single GIF.

Bowie's producer and longtime friend Tony Visconti said in an interview with The Mirror that he still talks to Bowie in his head all the time. "It’s still very hard to come to terms with," he says. It's a sentiment echoed by his army of inspirees, who in many cases remark that they literally are listening to him through their headphones as they make their tributes. These artworks are part of Ziggy Stardust's extensive legacy on this Earth, which includes personal memories, several films, a multi-million dollar art collection, and 25 innovative albums.

On Saturday, a day before his birthday, the Bowie Vevo channel released a posthumous video for "No Plan," the titular track of a new EP which includes never-before-heard songs from the Bowie-penned musical, Lazarus. Directed by Tom Hingston, the mysterious video sees a crowd gathered around a window display of TVs broadcasting the song's bleak lyrics. The EP also includes “When I Met You” and “Killing a Little Time,” which aren't included on Blackstar. Check out Instagram's tributes to the artist and his new video below.

A photo posted by Mick Rock (@therealmickrock) on

Jan 9, 2017 at 1:11pm PST

08-01 time flies. #davidbowie #bowie #ziggystardust #rip #music #hero #adobe #photoshop #designspiration #thedesigntip #artist #creative #lovewatts #designboom #thedailytype #art #illustration #popart #rikoostenbroek

A photo posted by RIK OOSTENBROEK (@rikoostenbroek) on

Jan 8, 2017 at 8:10am PST

Buon compleanno #DavidBowie "You are a Black star" (Inchiostro e pastello su carta) // sold // 2016

A photo posted by Bafefit (@bafefit) on

Jan 8, 2017 at 1:13pm PST

Secret Life of a Teenage Cat. #cat #sketch #pentelbrushpen #doodle #watercolor #kitty #bowie

A photo posted by lili in La La Land (@finalroughs) on

Jan 8, 2017 at 1:00pm PST

As long as you love thy grimey self +:) #davidbowie #deladeso

A photo posted by deladeso (@deladeso) on

Jan 8, 2017 at 10:01am PST

Easy to guess what am I listening to these days. - One year ago, when I created this spontaneous 69th birthday David Bowie tribute piece, little did I know that two days later, it would also become a posthumous tribute to David Bowie, the Starman, who even knew how to die with style, leaving a strong mark on so many peoples lives. Such a huge inspiration. - He would be 70 today, but he’ll never really be gone. - Happy Birthday David Bowie!

A photo posted by Pawel Nolbert (@hellocolor) on

Jan 8, 2017 at 7:40am PST

And the stars looked very different today My painting of the beautifully tallented artist we lost a year ago today. We miss you @the_real_iman

A photo posted by Margie Lucier (@nohalfmeasures_) on

Jan 10, 2017 at 7:22am PST

Happy 70th #davidbowie #draw #drawing #goblinking #illustrate #robisrael

A photo posted by Rob (@robisrael) on

Jan 8, 2017 at 6:44pm PST

A photo posted by Michele Ray (@micheleraynbow) on

Apr 30, 2016 at 12:49pm PDT

Happy Birthday David Bowie! He would have turned 70 years old today. His amazing music lives on forever and he will be missed for all eternity! I like to imagine he is in space now. What's your favorite album by him? Mine are Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust and "Heroes". Bowie Cat Enamel Pins are ready to ship! (Not to space though) Shop link in profile.

A photo posted by Danielle V Green (@daniellevgreen) on

Jan 8, 2017 at 5:21pm PST

A video posted by Tabby (@xtabbykatt) on

Jan 9, 2017 at 6:20am PST

For those of you following his adventures, LOM Bowie arrived at his new home a few days ago, but we had a photo shoot before he left… "Oh man! Wonder if he'll ever know He's in the best selling show Is there life on Mars?" #bowieforever #dollbowie #lifeonmars #dollart

A photo posted by Caitlin Hazelton (@caithazelton) on

Jan 8, 2017 at 8:58pm PST

#neverforget #bowie

A photo posted by Marcia Furman (@marcia_furman) on

Jan 10, 2017 at 7:22am PST

Portrait of Bowie by Simone Pieri #davidbowie #bowielove #bowieforever #pierisimone #disegno #illustrazione #ritratto #bowie #bowieart #bowie4ever @davidbowie

A photo posted by Simone Pieri Official © (@simone_from_mars) on

Jan 9, 2017 at 3:54am PST

. The Spiders from Mars #davidbowie #bowie #starman #ziggystardust #istherelifeonmars #graphicdesigner #graphicdesign #creative #freelance #design #graphics

A photo posted by ANGELO // AVERSANO (@angelo.aversano) on

Jan 10, 2017 at 7:31am PST

A photo posted by Marie Jozan (@mariejzn) on

Jan 10, 2017 at 7:30am PST

Feliz regreso a las estrellas Ziggy Stardust #davidbowie #davidbowieweek #wemissyou #art #inkart #iblackwork #tattooart #rockandroll #bowie #spaceman #arte #sketch #sketchbook #igart #draw #drawing #masterpice

A photo posted by docotor (@docotor) on

Jan 10, 2017 at 7:28am PST

To celebrate David Bowie's Birthday I'm giving away 3 sets of minibabybowie prints (images not 3D prints) over on Twitter, where I go by @kibooki #davidbowie #bowie #happybirthdaydavidbowie #kibooki

A photo posted by Kibooki (@kibookied) on

Jan 8, 2017 at 9:51am PST

A photo posted by Charlotte Olympia OFFICIAL (@charlotte_olympia) on

Jan 8, 2017 at 11:00am PST

Happy Birthday, dear David. Your legacy is extraordinary, but still, you left too soon, far too soon. xM

A photo posted by Mick Rock (@therealmickrock) on

Jan 8, 2017 at 8:54am PST

#DavidBowie, who died a year ago today, was always an original. A cartoon tribute, by Benjamin Schwartz. Follow @newyorkercartoons for more #TNYcartoons.

A photo posted by The New Yorker (@newyorkermag) on

Jan 10, 2017 at 7:22am PST

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