Perhaps more than any other artist, Michael Jackson’s legacy stretches beyond record sales and number of chart-topping singles and albums. Of course, both are astonishing and barely believable. But more than mere numbers, he was the King of Pop, a global superstar and a musical genius who revolutionised the music video. And as this highly-acclaimed exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery makes clear (neatly titled On the Wall), he was an inspiration even to those far outside of music.
That includes Kehinde Wiley, who has numerous artworks here, based on the idea of Jackson as an “American Jesus”. Though these works were all released after Jackson’s death in 2009, the pair had discussed several ideas, having initially met in 2007 for a cover story in Ebony magazine.
But what makes the exhibition so special is the shear range of artwork, with each artist feeling their own connection to the iconic popster for different reasons. Each room references a different song title to express a different creative ideology, covering the 48 different artists. These include surreal and sensitive pieces from Mark Ryden, Paul McCarthy and Rita Ackermann.
What is clear is just what made Michael Jackson so special. While only one or two of his songs are actually played, the exhibition helps show some of the reasons why. There’s a video from the start of his famous concert in Romania after the fall of communism. Even before he starts performing, every movement receives a seemingly impossible increase in adoration. On another video, there’s also some detail of the moonwalk. And there’s no missing that jacket.
Something that also comes across, is Jackson’s role as a black icon. Susan Smith-Pinelo, whose work is included, is quoted as highlighting the inspirational role Jackson played even in his early days. She recalled that the Jacksons were “the first wholesome black family who entered homes all over the US”, at a “time when most black people were protrayed as criminals, drug addicts or violent”. Jackson’s influence is marked in the same realm of other “black heroes” as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and Malcolm X. And that is something that will live just as long as his music.
Alex Raphael 
I saw Michael Jackson (in 1973) – at a Jackson 5 concert. They dragged their little brother out to sing a song. I got a free ticket to the concert because the newspaper had published my telephone number instead of the booking office. I spent a week answering the phone! They gave me a free ticket as a reward (seated in the “Queen’s box”). Jackson’s parents were seated with me. (In those days a seat in a theatre was always reserved for “her Majesty” in case she wanted to attend a concert – even though she lived on the other side of the world. They would usually sell that seat minutes before the concert began – be it pop or symphony orchestra. I don’t think they do that these days???)
What an enecdote! It’s no surprise you became a storyteller.
Interesting post and cool art display. I get a kick out of the paintings which show how Michael really saw himself–as a knight, a prince, an angel–archangel of light. What a peculiar, original man.
I could have done a post just on his achievements. The only person to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice (Poor Phil Collins). I’m really glad they highlighted his influence as a black artists and how he broke down barriers, including at MTV in its early days. And yes, he was different. They’ll never be anyone as talented as him in so many aread of the music world.
Oh that would be amazing to see in person!
I saw it on the final day, so I cut it a bit fine. As I went early in the day it wasn’t too busy. And it was well arranged. It really did make you want to listen to his music even more than before. My favourite song of his keeps changing. Right now it’s between Smooth Criminal, Earth Song and You Are Not Alone.
Thanks for a really interesting post. Fantastic art pieces. Michael Jackson was and is one of a kind. His music will live forever.
Just the most extraordinary talent. Could write every kind of pop song. And his ability to dance! He’s actually in the Dance Hall of Fame. And for sure it will. A true icon. He paved the way for so many artists.
I agre. Your post made me want to listen to his music again. It was a while ago I did that so it was nice hearing it again. He was a genius.
He was so talented and so popular that he actually kept The Beatles off of the number one slot with the band’s first new release in 25 years. Could anyone else have done that?
Probably not. It’s sad that he can’t write new music anymore.
I’m just glad he left so much 🙂
Wow!
I knew you’d be impressed!