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Instagram Artists Memorialize David Bowie

"I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring." -David Bowie

Just days after the release of his 28th album, prolific pop star, fashion icon, artist, and weirdo David Bowie has died at the age of 69. He has been battling cancer for the last 18 months, a revelation via social media that casts his hospital-bound in a new light, both brilliant and melancholy.

If you’ve been on any social media platform since the news was announced, you’ve probably seen his iconic quote, “I don’t know where I’m going from here but I promise it won’t be boring," quipped on his 50th birthday event at Madison Square Garden. It would be nice to picture Bowie as a physics-defying Starman, changing the lives of aliens across the universe with his space oddity. But I think that quote is best applied simply to the idea of him, in the memories of those of us left here on Earth. From empathy toward visionary weirdos to the enchanting ideas his creativity planted in our lives, Bowie's echo will keep us inspired through the future.

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A photo posted by David Bowie (@davidbowie) on Jan 10, 2016 at 10:49pm PST

“He always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way and he wanted to do it the best way. His death was no different from his life - a work of Art. He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift,” writes longtime friend and collaborator Tony Visconti in a Facebook post. “He will always be with us. For now, it is appropriate to cry.”

Artists around the world are letting out a collective cry of grief over Bowie’s death and appreciation of his life, scrawling hasty tributes in a burst of emotion or highlighting their favored creative efforts inspired by the Thin White Duke. We’ve gathered several artworks with which we most empathized, ranging from French illustrator Jean Jullien to South African collage artist Catherine Holtzhausen. Check out their work below.

London painter and street artist James Cochran.

David Bowie, a massive legacy and inspiration to the world. You will be sadly missed but never forgotten. #davidbowie #bowie #memory #music #artist #legend

A photo posted by James Cochran (Jimmy C) (@akajimmyc) on Jan 10, 2016 at 11:28pm PST

A woman leaves a bouquet at a mural of David Bowie in Brixton, south London, January 11, 2016. David Bowie, a music legend who used daringly androgynous displays of sexuality and glittering costumes to frame legendary rock hits "Ziggy Stardust" and "Space Oddity", has died of cancer. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth #London #Brixton #Bowie #davidbowie #graffiti #memorial #glamrock #aladinsane #ziggy #picoftheday

A photo posted by Reuters (@reuters) on Jan 11, 2016 at 4:24am PST

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New York City photographer and music video director Mick Rock.

"Beyond sad. Difficult to absorb. Deeply moved. He was a sweet sweet soul. He went out with such a creative bang. Such a privilege to have known and worked with him. Such a remarkable man and artist. I loved him." #ripdavidbowie

A photo posted by Mick Rock (@therealmickrock) on Jan 11, 2016 at 3:21am PST

French illustrator and comic artist Jean Jullien.

So long David Bowie…

A photo posted by @jean_jullien on Jan 10, 2016 at 11:28pm PST

Jordanian cartoonist and animator Omar Momani.

A video posted by Omar Momani (@omarmomani) on Jan 11, 2016 at 6:35am PST

South African illustrator and artist Catherine Holtzhausen.

A photo posted by Catherine Holtzhausen (@catherine.holtzhausen) on Jan 11, 2016 at 7:38am PST

London and Beijing illustrator Zhang Liang Ray.

A photo posted by Zhang Liang (Ray) (@zhangliangray) on Jan 11, 2016 at 7:38am PST

Spanish illustrator and sculptor Celipe Perroloco.

A photo posted by Celipe Perroloco (@fragilefreaks) on Jan 11, 2016 at 6:07am PST

Comic artist Alli Katz.

A photo posted by alli katz (@allikatz) on Jan 11, 2016 at 4:53am PST

Los Angeles-based artist Gary Baseman.

I'm in shock. I just did this drawing to celebrate the birth of DAVID BOWIE. And we now hear about his death. He was our generation's favorite and inspiration. #Music #Art #Fashion #DavidBowie #RIPDavidBowie #garybaseman #baseman #toby #TobyBowie #tobylovesyou #TobyLovesBowie

A photo posted by Gary Baseman (@garybaseman) on Jan 11, 2016 at 1:46am PST

Rio de Janeiro flower artist Floriografia.

A photo posted by floriografia (@floriografia) on Jan 11, 2016 at 5:02am PST

Tokyo illustrator, UI designer, photographer, and visual artist Chiyun Yeh.

He is going back to Mars. #illustration #doodle #watercolor #sketchbook #davidbowie Always remember I played his songs in my friend's exhibition…

A photo posted by chiyun yeh (@yochan666) on Jan 11, 2016 at 7:37am PST

Argentina-based art director and illustrator Kidmograph.

D∆VID #motion #mograph #animation #handdrawn #doodle #sketch #davidbowie #ziggy #photoshop #space #stardust #aladdinsane #travel #trip #goodbye #art #kismograph

A video posted by Gustavo (@kidmograph) on Jan 11, 2016 at 7:15am PST

See more David Bowie tributes on Instagram.

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