KING OF POP ART BARES PORTRAIT OF A CRACKPOT
BBoop
By DIANE DIMOND Sun May 29, 3:52 AM ET
TO his fans, Michael Jackson is the greatest entertainer of our time who
is classi cally misunderstood.
To his critics, he is the most eccentric man alive who may have molested
young boys.
But this is how Michael Jackson sees himself — in these three portraits
he commissioned with himself as Christ at the Last Supper surrounded by
American icons, as the ultimate storyteller, and as a heavenly creature,
a patron to cherubic little ones.
To hear Jackson tell it, in fact, he's got a place in history not only
next to Elvis but to Gandhi.
In 13 weeks of testimony — including hours of videotape from inside
Neverland — the jury in his child sexual molestation trial has been
given the clearest portrait to date of the way Michael Jackson sees
himself.
The jury was shown these three portraits as well as a few others, just
some of the many commissioned by the pop star. And they heard Jackson
explain his role in the world to documentarian Martin Bashir in footage
scooped up off the cutting-room floor.
"There is no more Mother Teresa, Princess Diana [or] Audrey Hepburn,"
Jackson told Bashir. "They are not here anymore — there is no voice for
the children."
"I see God through them," he whispered about the children with whom he
surrounds himself. Sitting on a shiny wood-paneled floor and propped on
a big pillow, he declared, "If it wasn't for the children, I'd throw in
the towel. I feel their purity."
Later in the video, Jackson quotes Jesus and likens himself to Gandhi
and Martin Luther King Jr.
The jury also saw the way Jackson lives: Neverland's massive entryway
with marble statues to rival castles in France, the brick-lined kitchen
and breakfast nook, the formal dining room, the impressive library, all
those whimsical, lifelike mannequins that cozy up in corners and along
hallways.
And they saw the walls of his mansion, covered in commissioned artwork
— most often featuring Jackson himself.
It is thought the artists were likely asked to sign a confidentiality
agreement and turn over any and all copies of the work.
One portrait seen currently hanging in the lavish dining room is titled
"The Storyteller," commissioned from artist David Nordahl, who has done
a number of works for Jackson.
It depicts Jackson as a radiant father figure surrounded by the
happiest, most contented-looking children you've ever seen. The painting
simply glows.
Another Nordahl portrait hangs in an adjoining formal living area and
captures the self-styled spirituality Jackson spoke about.
The dethroned King of Pop is dressed in papal red with his eyes fixed
on some mystical point in the sky, his arms extended in a pious gesture.
Again, he is surrounded by multiracial boys and girls whose faces shine
with a trance-like look of cherubic bliss.
The brushstrokes of light are usually reserved for portrayals of
saints.
In the '80s, Jackson became a patron to old master-style painter
Brett-Livingstone Strong through several commissions; one portrait later
was sold for $2.1 million. He also hired Jeff Koons for a series of
three porcelain sculptures of he and Bubbles the chimp; one was later
sold for $5.6 million. He commissioned 15 portraits from another artist,
Paul Bedard.
Jacko also ordered up a painting of himself standing among none other
than George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, the Mona Lisa
and ET.
And then there is the painting seen hanging over Jackson's king-sized
bed with the crystal-laden blue bedspread. It's the painting I know I
will never forget.
It is a large and highly stylized rendition of the Last Supper,
Christ's face replaced with that of Michael Jackson's. His disciples
include Abraham Lincoln, JFK, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Walt
Disney, Charlie Chaplin, Elvis and Little Richard.
This was the scene of the crime according to the prosecution, Jackson's
second-story sleeping loft. And the scene included a bastardized version
of one of Christianity's most revered scenes.
I wondered if the jurors noticed.
I wondered if any of the boys Jackson allows to sleep in that bed
noticed.
I wondered what kind of personality would commission such a painting
and hang it over his bed.
alan jones
Nice open ended article, allowing the reader to see what they are
capable of seeing. I wonder though, how many paintings were
commissioned and how many are unsolicited?
As for the last question, some people aspire to greatness others
are merely by-standers. I wonder what it takes to motivate a pop
icon to greatness, to have him answer the call of history,
with the unfashionable ideas of compassion.
there is a question here on were we each find strength. the will
to share ideas in unfavorable times. Micheal finds himself in the
spot light of culture, how do you endure that, all the love and
hate, all the hopes and loathing. How do you endure that and
still remain an artist, sensitive to your soul?
"Fragile Warrior" Volfie
> It is a large and highly stylized rendition of the Last Supper,
> Christ's face replaced with that of Michael Jackson's. His disciples
> include Abraham Lincoln, JFK, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Walt
> Disney, Charlie Chaplin, Elvis and Little Richard.
:::jaw drop:::
Okay, that's the first time THAT happened to me since OJ's "slow speed
follow".
I think the defense should have pled insanity and offered up that painting
as proof.
Good grief.
Surrogate Mama
BBoop wrote:
>
> Jacko also ordered up a painting of himself standing among none other
> than George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, the Mona Lisa
> and ET.
>
Very charming. I've always thought Mike and Mona Lisa are like brother
and sister.
Sarina
<Surrog...@aol.com> wrote:
Really? How so?
<can't wait to hear this one>
Cazzawaw
Um... they're both ugly white women?
alan jones
""Fragile Warrior" Volfie" <vol...@ccrtc.com> wrote in message news:d7cvcc$14qg$1...@news.iquest.net...
Much to do about nothing. The last super scenario has been a favourite
of artists, cartoonists and satirists. It was only a matter of time before
someone saw fit to include Michael in that famous setting. This is about
a moment in time.
As someone was good enough to paint it, Michael was good enough
to keep it. This article is nought but Ms Dimond's last fling as Jackson
expert.
Sarina
Someone was "good enough" to paint it because Wacko was arrogant
enough to have the painting commissioned. In the proper context,
"The Last Supper" is the perfect foundation for satirists and
cartoonists. Even da Vinci had fun with his own painting. However,
in the context Wacko used it, it was sacrilegious and despicable
simply because what this artwork has come to represent to the world at
large.
Wild Monkshood
alan jones wrote:
Huh? The lovely, full-hipped Ms. Dimond will be on hand to report on
the Pedo o' Pop's meltdown whether he is acquitted or not. Plus, she
will be in demand, either on CourtTv or other venues, as she has been
showcased very well lately. Her precise reporting and evenhandedness is
surely winning her admiration and kudos from all quarters. (exceptin'
F'loons, of course)
Wild Monkshood
>
>
Pope Frogbutt I
news:1gxbimf.1y1zicg1j9h27oN%BettyBoop*begone*to...@hotmail.com:
I really hope that if Wacko somehow walks from this shit that he gets put
in a fucking nuthouse. He's been out of his fucking mind for years.
--
Meet the f'loons:
Lady Motown: http://www.imagedump.com/index.cgi?pick=get&tp=185542
Deggie: http://www.imagedump.com/index.cgi?pick=get&tp=181922
Pam: http://www.imagedump.com/index.cgi?pick=get&tp=180995
Kenny: http://www.imagedump.com/index.cgi?pick=get&tp=181357
John: http://www.imagedump.com/index.cgi?pick=get&tp=181326
Keesha: http://www.imagedump.com/index.cgi?pick=get&tp=181273
"HIAY HU WANTZ 2 FEELL MAI TITS?////" - Britney Spears discovers the
internet.
alan jones
Don't tell me you're doing PR for the flawed Ms Dimond...
> Wild Monkshood
>
>>
>>
alan jones
Let me see if I've got this straight. You acknowledge the scenario of
'the last super' has been used on numerous occasions as a source of
satire and general amusement, yet when Michael tells the same joke
its sacrilegious?
You might have had a point, If this last super was depicted with
Christ as one of the other twelve, only he wasn't. This is nothing
but a lampoon of a great work of art. Period.
Sarina
wrote:
Let me set this straight for you because you certainly don't have it
that way yourself.
Wacko sees himself as a spiritual and humanitarian icon, as Jesus was.
Wacko paid to have a painting of "The Last Supper" done with himself
as the focal point. If Wacko had put Jesus as one of the twelve
disciples, that would've left Jesus in the picture and negated Wacko's
appearance.
Wacko then puts said sacrilegious above his bed where every time he
sees it, it reinforces this crazy idea of his that he is equal to
Jesus. This particular piece of "art" is not being shared with an
audience as either satire or any other type of amusement. If you've
seen photos of Wacko's bedroom, you will see that while there are many
areas filled with toys, the decor around his bed is ghetto royalty
(and that's not a good thing).
Wacko learned about having himself painted into historical art by the
piece that Berry Gordon had done of himself as Napoleon; Wacko has, as
an adult, had various portraits commissioned of himself as historical
figures that he wanted to be compared to. If this was done as a joke,
why did he not have portraits done of himself portraying King Herod,
Judas, Henry VIII, Benedict Arnold or Hitler? They are historical
figures and it would be just as funny seeing Wacko dressed up as one
of them, wouldn't it?
Answer this question: What would any minister in any Christian Church
say about this painting?
alan jones
When the scenario of the last super is used in satire its generally
used as a metaphor of greats. Or put another way, about an unlikely
gathering of greats. The painting feature historical figures, heroes
who will be remembered. However to you and Ms Dimond, this is just
another opportunity lambaste him. Yeah lets drag religion into this
saga, as if enough damage hadn't been done. Let fan the flames of
religion to make a shabby point.
This article could not be more calculating, if Sneddon had written
it himself. the whole point is to undermine statements Michael made
indirectly to the court.
This is his bedroom for Christ sakes, if he wants to have a chuckle
to himself, before he puts his head down, that ought to be his
business. Sacrilegious indeed, as if you really cared.
>
> Answer this question: What would any minister in any Christian Church
> say about this painting?
You'd better ask a minister. The chances are, they are not without
a sense of humor.
jmc
"alan jones" <o...@freeukFromSpam.com> wrote in message
news:lgAme.2436$Ri4....@newsfe4-win.ntli.net...
>
> This is his bedroom for Christ sakes, if he wants to have a chuckle
> to himself, before he puts his head down, that ought to be his
> business. Sacrilegious indeed, as if you really cared.
>
Your argument is flawed because, as we all know, Jacko hasn't got a speck of
a sense of humour. If he did, he would have laughed when Jarvis Cocker and
Eminem took the piss out of him. Instead, he took their satire as attacks on
his ego and got all pompous. You and I know that Jacko actually thinks of
himself as a spiritual leader equivalent of Christ.
If you can quote me, with evidence, a single occasion where Jacko has shown
a sense of humour about himself, then I will send you a Pasolini DVD. If
not, then you ought to concede that yet again your arguments have been shown
as fallacious - Jacko commissioned the painting because he thinks he's the
new Sai Baba.
Btw, do you know anything about Sai Baba, alan? It would be worth your while
looking into him. He's another example of a similar problem. See
http://saipetition.net/ He's another fucking nonce who thinks he's god.
MJJ#1Fan
"alan jones" <o...@freeukFromSpam.com> wrote in message
news:lgAme.2436$Ri4....@newsfe4-win.ntli.net...
I asked my minister upon your advice, having described Jackson's version of
the Last Supper. He said if Michael Jackson had come before him, he'd slap
him in the face. I also told him about your baseless speculations of Jackson
having commissioned that painting as satire, and not as a reflection of his
belief that he compares with history's greatest historical figures. My
minister said you're a know-nothing piece of shit. He asked me to kick you
in the gonads for him. I didn't have the heart to tell him we only meet "in
cyberspace". Can you please kick YOURSELF in the gonads? For the both of us?
That would be just great, thanks.
alan jones
> "alan jones" <o...@freeukFromSpam.com> wrote in message
> news:lgAme.2436$Ri4....@newsfe4-win.ntli.net...
>
>>This is his bedroom for Christ sakes, if he wants to have a chuckle
>>to himself, before he puts his head down, that ought to be his
>>business. Sacrilegious indeed, as if you really cared.
>
> Your argument is flawed because, as we all know, Jacko hasn't got a speck of
> a sense of humour. If he did, he would have laughed when Jarvis Cocker and
> Eminem took the piss out of him. Instead, he took their satire as attacks
> on his ego and got all pompous. You and I know that Jacko actually thinks
> of himself as a spiritual leader equivalent of Christ.
Someone jumps on stage in the middle of performance, injures a child
performer to bare his arse at the audience, yeah how funny was that.
You know i'm sure Michael laughed, but after I made it clear he wasn't
inviting similar 'jokes'. As for Eminem, to say nothing is to invite
the next cultural mercenary, the next 'artist' who says what the system
wants to see promoted. People like Eminem don't rely on their art,
they look for favors. So he makes a dig at Clinton knowing it will
buy him promotion where he might find a closed door. A cheap attack
of this kind, on his lively hood, on his art, on his career, wasn't
something to dismiss with laughter. Michael reflects the legions of
support he's had, he reflect the fan's investment of love, He reflects
their sense of community. He's not going to see all that challenged,
and take it lightly.
> If you can quote me, with evidence, a single occasion where Jacko has shown
> a sense of humour about himself, then I will send you a Pasolini DVD. If
> not, then you ought to concede that yet again your arguments have been shown
> as fallacious - Jacko commissioned the painting because he thinks he's the
> new Sai Baba.
hmm... A single occastion where Michael has laughed at himself. let's see...
what about the obvious example of 'Ghosts', a very pointed self depricating
kind of humour. but by my definition, its Michael having a laugh at his
worst critics.
jmc
"alan jones" <o...@freeukFromSpam.com> wrote in message
> jmc wrote:
> Someone jumps on stage in the middle of performance, injures a child
> performer to bare his arse at the audience, yeah how funny was that.
"Injures a child performer" - first I've heard of it. How ironic that you
put out a false charge against Cocker, who the police never charged with any
offence - whilst denying the charges against Jackson, who is now in a court
of law accused of genuinely harming a child. You sure got a warped sense of
the world, but if you can direct me to one genuine piece of evidence that
Cocker injured a child that night, I will concede. Otherwise, most normal
people believe that puncturing the pomposity of the powerful is pretty
funny.
> You know i'm sure Michael laughed, but after I made it clear he wasn't
> inviting similar 'jokes'. As for Eminem, to say nothing is to invite
> the next cultural mercenary, the next 'artist' who says what the system
> wants to see promoted. People like Eminem don't rely on their art,
> they look for favors.
You're making no sense again. As far as I can see, the system (at least the
right wing of it) has been highly critical of Eminem from the beginning.
Eminem offers a very sophisticated examination of contemporary masculinity;
he plays around with notions of the Self; he is clearly gifted with an
ability to use the English language which stops nothing short of genius. He
has given strength and inspiration to millions who feel disenfranchised by
the system; he has been the model of a single male parent, allowing many men
in similar positions to express their love for their offspring, undermining
kneejerk masculine emotinal reticence. Jacko has never sung a heartfelt song
for one of his own children, because he has no feelings for them. Eminem has
never asked for favours - he genuine came from a deprived background and
through hard work and talent became a huge star. He is everything Jacko
isn't.
So he makes a dig at Clinton knowing it will
> buy him promotion where he might find a closed door.
Dig at Clinton? You're saying Eminem has a Republican agenda? You've
obviously never heard Mosh! Eminem is critical of all powerful hypocrites,
be they Clinton, Bush or Jackson.
A cheap attack
> of this kind, on his lively hood, on his art, on his career, wasn't
> something to dismiss with laughter. Michael reflects the legions of
> support he's had, he reflect the fan's investment of love, He reflects
> their sense of community. He's not going to see all that challenged,
> and take it lightly.
>
No, Jackson steals his fan's energy and confuses their minds. You are an
example of that. The Eminem video was a very funny and child-like (hah!)
sideswipe at an egotistical monster, and Eminem nailed his colours to the
mast by saying that he sides with the children not the abuser.
>
> hmm... A single occastion where Michael has laughed at himself. let's
> see...
> what about the obvious example of 'Ghosts', a very pointed self
> depricating
> kind of humour. but by my definition, its Michael having a laugh at his
> worst critics.
You say he laughs at himself, but then say its really another adolescent
attack on his critics. I rest my case. He's a humourless bastard.
Foxglove Adams
"Cazzawaw" <cazz...@o2.ie> wrote in message
news:1117396723.8...@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
They're both two dimensional?
obladi
no...@arenutscontactingme.com says...
>
> "alan jones" <o...@freeukFromSpam.com> wrote in message
> news:lgAme.2436$Ri4....@newsfe4-win.ntli.net...
> >
> > This is his bedroom for Christ sakes, if he wants to have a chuckle
> > to himself, before he puts his head down, that ought to be his
> > business. Sacrilegious indeed, as if you really cared.
> >
>
> Your argument is flawed because, as we all know, Jacko hasn't got a speck of
> a sense of humour. If he did, he would have laughed when Jarvis Cocker and
> Eminem took the piss out of him. Instead, he took their satire as attacks on
> his ego and got all pompous. You and I know that Jacko actually thinks of
> himself as a spiritual leader equivalent of Christ.
I think Jackson commissioned that painting and similar ones as yet
another way to a) glorify himself in his and everyone else's eyes, and
b) further groom his victims by reinforcing the rightness and
authoritativeness of him in their young and gullible eyes. After all,
if he has Godlike connections and status, he can do no wrong and
everything he says must right and must be neither disputed nor
questioned.
Funny, Charles Manson pulled the same scam on his "family" with a slight
twist -- he didn't have the money for things like paintings, but he had
his name: Manson -- the "MAN'S SON". He got THEM to do whatever he
wanted and to worship him and think of him as a father figure with whom
it was okay and RIGHT to have sex. Sound familiar?
--
Ob La Di, Ob La Da
Floonville Tavern
>
>
> By DIANE DIMOND Sun May 29, 3:52 AM ET
>
>
> It is thought the artists were likely asked to sign a confidentiality
> agreement and turn over any and all copies of the work.
>
jmc
<Ob La Di>; "Ob La Da" <n...@no.no> wrote in message
news:MPG.1d057752d...@news.newsguy.com...
> Funny, Charles Manson pulled the same scam on his "family" with a slight
> twist -- he didn't have the money for things like paintings, but he had
> his name: Manson -- the "MAN'S SON". He got THEM to do whatever he
> wanted and to worship him and think of him as a father figure with whom
> it was okay and RIGHT to have sex. Sound familiar?
>
How ironic that the two of them will soon be sharing a cell -both with
delusions of Christhood, both with Beatles fixations. I think, when Manson
meets Jacko, it will be Manson who says "this guy's fucking crazy!"