George Underwood

George Underwood is a British artist and illustrator, known for his work with David Bowie, T. Rex (band), and other notable musicians of the 1970s. Underwood's artistic career spans multiple decades, with his work being featured on numerous album covers, including those of The Fixx, Maggie Bell, and Procol Harum. He has also created artwork for Marc Bolan, Bryan Ferry, and Roxy Music. Underwood's unique style has been influenced by his associations with Andy Warhol, The Velvet Underground, and the New York City art scene.

● Early Life

George Underwood was born in 1947 in London, England, and grew up in a family of artists. His early life was marked by exposure to the works of Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and René Magritte, which would later influence his own artistic style. Underwood attended the Beckley School of Art in London, where he studied alongside David Bowie and developed a close friendship with the musician. This friendship would lead to collaborations on several album covers, including Hunky Dory and The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. Underwood's early life was also shaped by his experiences in the London music scene, where he encountered artists like Syd Barrett, Pink Floyd, and The Who.

● Career

Underwood's career as an artist and illustrator began in the 1960s, with his work being featured in various music magazines, including Melody Maker and New Musical Express. He quickly gained recognition for his unique style, which blended elements of Pop Art, Surrealism, and Psychedelic art. Underwood's collaborations with David Bowie and other musicians of the 1970s helped establish him as a prominent figure in the London art scene. He has also worked with Elton John, The Stranglers, and Depeche Mode, creating artwork for their album covers and concert tours. Underwood's career has been marked by his associations with The Royal College of Art, The Tate Gallery, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

● Artistic Style

Underwood's artistic style is characterized by its blend of Pop Art and Surrealism, with influences from Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. His work often features bold colors, geometric shapes, and dreamlike imagery, which reflect his interests in Psychedelic art and Fantasy art. Underwood's style has been compared to that of Andy Warhol, Peter Max, and Roger Dean, all of whom were prominent figures in the 1960s and 1970s art scenes. Underwood's use of airbrushing and stenciling techniques has also been influenced by his work with David Bowie and other musicians, who often incorporated these techniques into their album covers and music videos. Underwood's artistic style has been shaped by his experiences in the London art scene, where he encountered artists like Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, and Damien Hirst.

● Notable Works

Some of Underwood's most notable works include the album covers for David Bowie's Hunky Dory and The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. He has also created artwork for T. Rex (band), The Fixx, and Maggie Bell, among others. Underwood's work has been featured in various art exhibitions, including those at the Tate Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. His collaborations with Marc Bolan and Bryan Ferry have also resulted in some notable works, including the album cover for T. Rex (band)'s Electric Warrior. Underwood's work has been influenced by his associations with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Kinks.

● Personal Life

Underwood's personal life has been marked by his close friendships with David Bowie and other musicians of the 1970s. He has also been involved in various charity organizations, including those supporting arts education and music therapy. Underwood's interests in science fiction and fantasy literature have also influenced his artistic style, with references to authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and H.P. Lovecraft appearing in his work. Underwood has lived and worked in London and New York City, and has been associated with various art movements, including Punk rock and New Wave music. His personal life has been shaped by his experiences in the London music scene, where he encountered artists like Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, and David Byrne. Category:British artists