To mark the 10th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death, 'Michael Jackson: On the Wall' exhibition is at the National Portrait Gallery from 28 June to 21 October. The exhibition includes the work of 48 contemporary artists on the singer, who would have turned 60 this year.
The title On the Wall, is a play on the singer’s 1979 album ‘Off the Wall’, and explores the influence that Michael Jackson had on contemporary art. Take the opportunity to see the singer through the eyes of 48 artists, 46 of whom are still alive today. Andy Warhol was the first to use Michael Jackson’s image in 1982, and since the singer has become the most depicted figure in visual art.
Warhol’s 1984 silkscreen of Michael Jackson, which graced the cover of Time magazine, is one of the more recognisable images in the exhibition. Other artists include Kehinde Wiley, (Obama’s portrait painter) and Candice Breitz (who executed the impressive final piece of the exhibition).
The works on display are of varying mediums and come from public, as well as private, collections from around the globe. A few works have even been especially created for the event.
After finishing in London the exhibition will travel to Paris, Bonn and Espoo in Finland.
National Portrait Gallery
Wolfson and Lerner Galleries, National Portrait Gallery, St Martin's Place, London, WC2H 0HE
Opening Times
Every day 10:00-18:00.
Open late Fridays until 21:00.