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ART

Art is not a reflection of reality it is the reality of a reflection. - Jean-Luc Godard

WYNN NICHOLS

Icons of Music

A vibrant tribute to rock legends like Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, and Freddie Mercury, capturing their iconic personalities and unique styles through bold, expressive artwork.

My “Icons of Music” series is a collection that brings to life the legendary figures who have defined and shaped the history of my introduction to rock and roll. This project stems from my deep admiration for artists who revolutionized music and culture with their distinctive sounds, personalities, and performances. Through a mix of bold colors, expressive lines, and nostalgic energy, each piece aims to capture the larger-than-life essence of these iconic musicians. From Freddie Mercury’s commanding stage presence to David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust persona, this series celebrates the unique style and spirit that made them inspirational.

I captured Jimi Hendrix in the middle of one of his most infamous moments—setting his guitar ablaze at the Monterey Pop Festival. His wild, expressive energy was not just in his music but in his whole performance style. I used warm, vibrant colors, emphasizing the flames and capturing the electricity of the moment. The details, like Hendrix’s psychedelic headband and military-style jacket, were a nod to his iconic look. This image represents Hendrix’s fearless experimentation and the raw power of his music, which continues to inspire me and guitarists around the world.

David Bowie’s transformation into Ziggy Stardust was a landmark moment in music history. This portrait depicts Bowie as Ziggy in his full, otherworldly glory, capturing the theatricality and mystery that defined his alter ego. I focused on his signature orange hair and lightning bolt, blending elements of glam rock with sci-fi surrealism. The colors I chose reflect the duality of his persona—bright, alien, and enigmatic. The concert poster format gives it a sense of timelessness, transporting the viewer back to his 1973 Hammersmith Odeon show, which is considered one of the most defining moments in rock history.

My piece featuring Led Zeppelin brings together Jimmy Page and Robert Plant during their 1975 Madison Square Garden performance. I aimed to capture the chemistry and connection that fueled their powerful, iconic sound. By incorporating soft watercolors with sharp lines, I created a contrast between their individual styles and their collective energy. The subtle touches of Plant’s signature curls and Page’s infamous black Gibson guitar help to bring out the individuality of each while still uniting them as the unstoppable force that defined 70s rock.

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