Michael Jackson exhibition honours star’s legacy, but avoids negative narrative that all but destroyed his public image
London exhibition features 48 artists exploring Jackson’s identity, artistry and fame, but for the Jackson estate, it is as much about celebrating as it is about refocusing the sordid narrative that the pop star could not escape in life
Only Michael Jackson’s eyes can be seen on the large LED screen resting on the floor.
Although it is easy to discern the visage as that of the late superstar, it would take the most ardent follower to recognise the footage from the 1993 broadcast he made denying accusations of sexual molestation and forever sealing his fate as a social pariah.
The video work from New York artist Jordan Wolfson was one of a number of provocative pieces in “Michael Jackson: On the Wall”, a recently opened exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London.
The exhibition – which runs until October 21 – examines Jackson’s influence via 48 artists exploring his identity, artistry and fame.
“[Jackson] is such an extraordinary figure, such an important figure,” says Nicholas Cullinan, director of the National Portrait Gallery and curator of “On the Wall”. “There’s this complexity to him and what he embodies … and we wanted to do a show that added something different to the conversation around him.”
The London exhibition is a collaboration with the Jackson estate, which is in the midst of celebrating what would have been Jackson’s 60th birthday this week with multiple projects, including limited-edition apparel and a party that was held in Las Vegas on Wednesday.