Nick Smith has created an original piece for new charity auction 'Sound & Vision', raising money for War Child UK and curated by Art on a Postcard. For this event, Smith has created an original artwork inspired by David Bowie, using the unique medium of a lightbox. His piece, titled ‘Electric Blue’, takes inspiration from the song lyric “Electric Blue” in Bowie’s iconic track, Sound & Vision. This annual exhibition is set to become an important fundraiser for War Child UK, each year providing selected artists with a different lyric as a prompt. Smith’s contribution highlights both his artistic vision and Bowie’s long-standing support for the charity.
Sound & Vision is the first instalment of what will be an annual event to support War Child UK. The exhibition features the work of 33 artists, each of whom has created a piece in response to an iconic song lyric. The initiative is modelled after Bowie’s own charity exhibition, Little Pieces from Big Stars, which was also created to support War Child UK. Bowie’s personal involvement in this cause adds a special significance to the Sound & Vision exhibition, making it a fitting tribute to his legacy.
‘Electric Blue’ is a standout piece in this collection. Smith, known for his unique use of colour in his art through colour-chip collage, has taken a new approach in this creation. While he often plays with meanings and uses of colour, in this piece he has gone a step further by incorporating actual ‘electric’ into the work. Using a lightbox, Smith has illuminated the vibrant blue hue that shares a name with the lyric "Electric Blue”. The use of electricity as a medium is a fitting tribute to Bowie's bright legacy, adding an immersive quality to the artwork. Smith hopes that by lighting up the colour, viewers will not only experience the shade in its truest form but also feel the energy and spirit of Bowie’s influence.
Smith’s ‘Electric Blue’ aims to remind audiences of Bowie’s deep connection to War Child UK and his efforts to support children affected by war. Through this powerful piece, Smith captures both Bowie’s creative light and his humanitarian spirit. The Sound & Vision exhibition and auction serve as a continuation of Bowie’s legacy, with the funds raised going to support vulnerable children.
The Sound & Vision auction will run online from September 17th to October 1st, giving art collectors and Bowie fans alike the opportunity to bid on these pieces. For those who want to see the artworks in person, the physical exhibition will be open on September 26th and 27th at 180 Studios.
