Like so many others I was chocked and saddened by the death of David Bowie. How can he be gone? He's been around like forever... I even blame him, or I should say thank him, for making me an art historian. Among my first childhood memories is when my older brother got Aladdin Sane as a birthday present - and I was totally mesmerised by the album cover. That pale and yet colourful character that leaked plastic! 

More album covers of Bowie's were equally visually intriguing; Diamond Dogs, Pin Ups and there was one with cartoons on it... I sat and watched them carefully over and over again, but was not allowed to listen to them. And my teenaged brother didn't think it was cool to hang around with his baby sister so I hardly ever heard them. The only song I loved by Bowie as a kid was "Laughing gnome", and even if it still warms my heart it isn't really worth remembering. It was only later, when Scary Monsters was released, I got to know more of his music.

So, thank you David Bowie for my first strong visual experiences - and the music! And my brother should of course have some credit for introducing me to Bowie.