Exhibit See: David LaChapelle's American Jesus
By Bradley Carbone | Jul 13, 2010 | 12:34 pm | Permalink
The video director/uber-photographer David LaChapelle—known in our world for images like the Lil' Kim/LV print photo, the shot from VIBE of Tupac in the bathtub, and for being the mind behind Christina Aguilera's "Dirty" video—opened his new exhibition "American Jesus" at New York's Paul Kasmin Gallery last night. As expected, the work on display is all pretty crazy and highly fuckwitable. Highlights include the photographer's final photo shoot with Michael Jackson, a series in which the singer is portrayed as a Biblical martyr. If you come to NYC at all this summer, put this on your checklist, since the exhibit runs through September 18. But if you're not here yet, hit the jump to see the photos on display at the exhibit.
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Dimple July 14th, 2010 at 09:15 PM
I find his depiction of Jackson as a 'jesus' type figure very interesting. Jackson was vilified and crucified by the media which partly led to his death. And in death his career was resurrected. Very interesting! I used to believe the allegations against Jackson before his death, but I was recently amazed to find so much evidence of his 'innocence' that is available on the net that was never reported in the mainstream media. The media definitely had an agenda in the demise of Jackson. His death has opened the eyes of many
yvonne July 15th, 2010 at 02:51 PM
Nice comment,you have the facts right there,I am so glad you did yourself the justice of actually reasearching the facts of Michaels innocence in both cases,I hope more are,as you say,doing the same. Those of us that "knew" Michael,or should I say,knew his HEART,( you could get to know Michael without ever meeting him,if you read his writings and read into his songs)would never think twice of his innocence. The two families,As you also correctly say,Sneddon,and please dont forget Bashire,all lead to Michaels slow path downwards,if not for his preciuos children,I believe Michael would not have lasted as long. Thank-you for finding the light. God Bless you Michael,I love you MORE.xx
Stephen July 14th, 2010 at 11:44 PM
Michael did put together a rather tidy "Second Coming" so... GAME OVER. Michael wins, the devil (king of eXcuses) loses. Peace is ours.
ultravioletrae July 15th, 2010 at 12:25 AM
Absolutely brilliant. Can't wait to see this exhibit. This artist totally understands Michael Jackson's body of work. Love it.
olmick July 15th, 2010 at 12:50 AM
MICHAEL MICHAEL MICHAEL I so miiiiiiiiiss YOU!!!!! I like this artist
Ellie July 15th, 2010 at 01:49 AM
It's absolutely amazing. MJ was innocent and the media is responsible for his death.
sbsanta July 15th, 2010 at 11:52 AM
Bold and beautiful work by Mr. LaChapelle. Living in Santa Barbara, CA. Wish I could view this work in person... We all recall how the Mass Media drove a lynch-mob mentality beginning with presuming guilt in '93 and the'03 arrest RIGHT THROUGH the final day of the trial in '05 -- and even past the full acquittals. We were all being manipulated like puppets to mainstream media, corporations, 2 greedy/$cheming parents who pawned their kids for a chance at civil suit settlement and 1 very corrupt & vindictive prosecutor (this county's former D.A. Tom Sneddon who was looking for a parting shot before his retirement, so spent untold millions of our $$ on this modern day lynching). Even today, there are those who merely repeat Sneddon and tabloid/false journalist's irrationalities and hate without knowing the facts. For those of us who choose to know the truth, an award-winning writer Charles Thomson does a decent job summarizing what TRULY happened in the '05 trial, and how our beloved Mainstream Media gods failed us -- and how we, the Land of the Free, failed Mr. Jackson. It is objective, well-written -- and even brief & easy-to-read...even the Ignorant are invited to read: go to www.huffingtonpost.com/charles-thomson/one-of-the-most-shameful_b_610258.html. Please pass along this info. And, for God's sake, in the spirit of Mr. LaChapelle's paintings here, let's apply ourselves & teach our kids right from wrong, to THINK for ourselves before spewing propaganda and hate. Before it's too late. Again.
Theresa July 15th, 2010 at 01:08 PM
Well said sbsanta. Now the haters will come out in force over this art. It may just hit a little to close to home.
Michelle July 15th, 2010 at 01:42 PM
Nice drawing of MJ, however, the one of Jesus is quite different than what the Bible describes. Mr. Artist, be bold, be truthful as you can, check out the Bible, use the net to help you find a description of Jesus, and use your creativeness to put it down on paper. I would love to see a more accurate depiction of Jesus. Peace and Love be with you.
gwen July 15th, 2010 at 04:29 PM
WOW..I CANT BELIEVE U GUYS ..YES YES YES MJ WAS A GR8 WONDERFUL PERSON,,BUT TO SAY THAT HE WAS CRUCIFIED LIKE JESUS..HAVE U LOST UR MINDS MJ DIDNT GO THROUGH ANYTHING LIKE JESUS DID,,AND I REALLY DONT THINK MJ WOULD LIKE THAT KIND OF TALK FROM ANYBODY,,COME ON GUYS GET A GRIP AND COME BACK TO PLANET EARTH
Suzanne July 15th, 2010 at 09:01 PM
I totally agree with gwen. Micheal was persecuted and still is but shouldn't be compared to Jesus. Michael wouldn't want us doing that. RIP MJ. Love and miss you so much.
toti65 July 16th, 2010 at 06:24 AM
Weather Michael would agree or not, the resemblance of this crucifiction seems obvious to me...I don't think this is disrespectful in any way, to Jesus or to Michael. The greatest difference is in the way the crucifictions were done...the reasons are, strangely, similar. I don't think the race issue was relevant in Jesus times but I think it was a main factor in Michael's...Jesus physical crucifiction was in line with the times he lived in, Michael's was a more subtle one, wrapped up in cynicism and, of course, ignorance and blind hate...the paralel is obvious if you consider the fact that, all his life, Michael was preaching the words of Jesus... Peace be with you!
Renee July 17th, 2010 at 04:49 PM
If you read the scriptures you will see that as a Christian or follower of Christ, you will and can be crucified like him for believing and following him. In fact, the scriptures says that the world will hate you for my sake. Please do understand that they are not saying that Michael is Jesus but that as his servant, he would experience the same suffering and pain.
shell517nj July 27th, 2010 at 10:24 PM
yes I believe this to be true as well, michael died of a modern day crucifixion. He was a child of God, with the mostloving heart. May his beautiful soul RIP. The photographs will be displayed through Sept 18 in NY. A few weeks ago I read online via "wall street journal", that opening night the crowds were pouring into the streets of New York to see the exhibition. From 2010-07-13 To 2010-09-18 Paul Kasmin Gallery 293 10th Ave., New York, NY 10001,Between 26th and 27th St. Subway: C/E to 23rd Street Phone: 212-563-4474 Fax: 212-563-4494 From 10:00am To 6:00pm Closed on Mondays, Sundays Free
Charmaine July 16th, 2010 at 09:38 AM
I thank God that truth is coming out about MJ's innocence. I do believe that he was crucified by the media. However, it should not be compared to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Jesus is our only way to salvation (John 14:6) & MJ can not save us. I would hate for a non believer to get confused & begin to worship MJ thinking that he can get them into heaven. But MJ's life certainly can cause someone to seek & find Jesus. We must be careful because God clearly says do not put any other gods before Him. As much as MJ loved us, no one can love us as much as God loves us (John 3:16). I feel MJ could have been depicted better in a photo where Jesus is welcoming him into His Kingdom & we read the words saying, "Job well done good and faithful servant, MJ you have served Me well, welcome home." MJ will always live in my heart & I pray that through his death many unsaved people will come to know Jesus as their Lord & Savior. This will also guarantee people seeing MJ again (1 Thess 4:13-18), then his death will have earthly purpose. MJ is depicted well in an old spiritual which says, "May the work I've done speak for me." See you soon MJ when it's my turn live in heaven, I love you.
shell517nj July 27th, 2010 at 10:39 PM
In another photograph by Mr LaCapelle a more clearer depiction of Michael as an "Archangel"...an angel ranked above the highest rank in the celestial hierarchy. not before God or his son.
Denise July 17th, 2010 at 01:15 PM
David Chapelle needs to be congratulated for being able to portray the real Michael in these beautiful photographs. These photographs are unwittingly prophetic. They have brought to light the true modern day Spiritual Master that Michael was, that we were all honoured and privledged to share for nearly 51 years. Michael was the most persecuted and crucified person of the 20th century. By the world media, people who lied and those who believed that the rubbish that was written about him in newspapers and magazines was the truth. It is only now that the misinformed are beginning to open their eyes. It is a pity that the media are not doing the same thing. Why could Michael have not experienced all of this love and truth when he was alive? He would not have had to experience financial difficulties nor despite being frail and in ill health put himself through a tortuous rehersal schedule to try and get through 50 concerts, but for all of this Michael would still be alive. Michael Forever L.O.V.E Denise