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Semantic shock: David Bowie!

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posted on 2015-01-01, 00:00 authored by Toija CinqueToija Cinque
David Bowie embodies certain identity positions that are alien, alternative, and transgressive via metaphor and alter-egos that render him essentially strange. This chapter argues that by using metaphor and metonym throughout his visual and sonic creations, David Bowie has been largely freed from the constraints of merely describing the world; his use of metaphor and metonym have afforded possible reevaluations of the world, in new ways, by breaking the association between language and things. His own sonic and visual assemblage have allowed fissures to be created; new and multiple meanings rendered possible and valid, with his work going beyond both the creator and viewing/listening-body. Using Sara Ahmed’s (2004) social philosophies of trauma and scarring, the chapter argues that what David Bowie’s work frequently does is ‘re-open wounds’ and reminds us of the scars; asking us to notice their existence, to become more aware, in the first instance. But then, offers a means to negotiate their healing.

History

Title of book

Enchanting David Bowie: space/time/body/memory

Chapter number

10

Pagination

197 - 214

Publisher

Bloomsbury

Place of publication

New York, N. Y.

ISBN-13

9781628923056

ISBN-10

1628923067

Language

eng

Publication classification

B1 Book chapter; B Book chapter

Copyright notice

2015, Bloomsbury

Extent

16

Editor/Contributor(s)

T Cinque, C Moore, S Redmond

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