Summary
- More than 800 David Bowie photographs appear in an immersive experience
- The archive spans two decades of work by Denis O’Regan
- The 25-minute production is part of Venice Immersive
- Mike Garson contributes original compositions
- L-ISA spatial audio surrounds the images and narration
More than 800 photographs of David Bowie, including rare and previously unseen images, have become a 25-minute immersive experience at Venice Immersive.
Bowie: Unseen | Unheard draws on the archive of British photographer Denis O’Regan, who followed and photographed Bowie across two decades. It is more than a slideshow: the images are connected by personal commentary, Bowie’s music and new compositions by pianist Mike Garson.
Two decades through one photographer’s lens
O’Regan’s long access brings continuity that fragmented archives rarely provide. The 800-plus images span public appearances, tours and less familiar moments, forming a portrait that evolves alongside the artist.
Denis O’Regan, Nick Ryan and Joe Crossley direct the project. L-Acoustics produced it, with Paul Keating and O’Regan as producers. The English-language work is a UK production.
Photography meets spatial audio
L-ISA technology gives music, voices and details a position in space. The intention is to add movement and rhythm to a still-image archive without diminishing its photographic value. Garson’s presence creates a living musical bridge between periods of Bowie’s career.
At Venice Immersive until September 12
The experience is part of Venice Immersive at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. The programme runs through September 12, 2026, presenting work that explores storytelling beyond a conventional cinema screen.
What we think
Its strength is the way a large photographic archive gains dramatic structure without pretending to be a film. When movement, music and sound remain in service of the photographs, they can help an audience notice connections that a rapid gallery scroll would miss.
Frequently asked questions
How many photographs are included?
More than 800 iconic, rare and unseen images.
How long is the experience?
Its official running time is 25 minutes.
Who made the photographs?
Denis O’Regan, who photographed Bowie across two decades.
