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Michael Jackson's influence on pop culture remains unparalleled. Nearly a decade after his passing, his iconic dance moves, timeless music, and artistic inspiration continue to resonate globally. Honoring his lasting impact, a unique exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London showcases a series of artworks dedicated to the legendary artist, including several pieces never before revealed to the public.
Titled 'Michael Jackson: On the Wall,' the exhibition presents creations from 48 renowned artists, featuring luminaries such as Keith Haring, David LaChapelle, and Andy Warhol.
By Andy Warhol | Daniel Leal-Olivas, AFP/Getty ImagesThe exhibition's launch on June 28 showcased the UK debut of the last commissioned portrait of Michael Jackson, named Equestrian Portrait of King Philip II (Michael Jackson). Created in 2009 by Kehinde Wiley, a New York-based artist renowned for unveiling two distinct portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama in early 2018, this piece holds significant artistic value.
Wiley reflected on his collaboration with Jackson as an “exceptional” journey, expressing astonishment at the singer’s deep understanding of Peter Paul Rubens’s 17th-century masterpiece, Philip II on Horseback, which served as the foundation for his reinterpretation.
“I was amazed by his profound grasp of art and art history,” Wiley shared with the National Portrait Gallery. “He even discussed the nuances between Rubens’ early and late brushwork.”
The portrait was completed months after Jackson’s passing. David LaChapelle, a celebrated photographer who documented some of Jackson’s final moments, will also feature several of his works in the exhibition.
A radiant journey by David LaChapelle | Courtesy of David LaChapelleLaChapelle is celebrated for weaving religious motifs into his photography. His images of Jackson, captured shortly before the artist’s passing, portray the icon in a Christ-like manner. Reflecting on Jackson, LaChapelle shared with Paper magazine in 2017, “Michael holds immense significance for me. I place him alongside legends like Michelangelo, William Blake, and The Beatles. His impact was unparalleled in music. Michael possessed a universal appeal that was truly enchanting.”
The exhibition aligns with what would have been Jackson’s 60th birthday on August 29 and will run until October 21.
P.Y.T. by Appau Jnr Boakye-Yiadom | DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty ImagesDaniel Leal-Olivas, AFP/Getty Images
