David Bowie’s Eyeball Revealed—What Shocked the World Forever

Fri, 01 May 2026 15:52:17 +0000

David Bowie’s Eyeball Revealed — What Shocked the World Forever Sometimes, a single image can redefine a legend — and in 1971, David Bowie delivered just that. Better known for his chameleon-like transformations on both stage and screen, Bowie shocked art and music fans alike when a striking visual of a glowing, oversized eyeball first emerged in his Eyeball artwork and subsequent performances. What began as a provocative symbol soon became a global phenomenon — a zebra-patterned, futuristic eye that encapsulated Bowie’s fearless reinvention and cultural impact. ### The Birth of the Eyeball: A Visual Revolution David Bowie released his album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars in 1972, but the visual presence of the “Eyeball” had roots earlier. In the early stages of Ziggy Stardust’s creation in 1971, Bowie collaborated with artist Mick Ronson and designer Ken Smith to craft a bold, otherworldly aesthetic. The eye — a stylized, rainbow-hued orb — first appeared on album covers, promotional art, and performances, becoming more than a prop: it was a manifesto.