Germany strikes all the right notes with Michael Jackson: On The Wall.

The exhibition of art inspired by Michael Jackson continues its tour of Europe, arriving in Bonn – Germany, where it hosted its public premiere on Friday 22nd March 2019 and will reside until 14th July 2019.

Unlike its predecessors in London and Paris, the exhibition throws open its doors during a time of unrest in the world of Michael Jackson, as false allegations continue to penetrate media outlets and twitter feeds around the world. There were indeed doubts as to whether the exhibition would even go ahead, yet it has, and it’s a good job as not only does it bring this fantastic show to Germany, it also stands tall in the face of the accusations – they will not mute Michael Jackson or attempt to erase his influence on the different mediums.

As the third showing, I was keen to see how the team at the Bundeskunsthalle, one of Germany’s most visited museums, would present the works that have now become so familiar, thanks to the welcome recommendations to photograph and share the exhibition across social media and the trip out to Bonn was worth it as we were gifted with a whole new take on the collection.

For the first time, On the Wall has been presented in a way that leads you on a voyage of discovery. As you weave around the different pieces and turn corners, it’s unclear what you’ll be greeted with next, and this gives the show an entirely new dimension. The colour palette is the definition of Jackson’s wardrobe staples – Red, Black, White and Silver, as well as an added touch of sparkles – everything you could want from an exhibition about Michael Jackson and brings a part of the man to the walls which holds works he inspired.

On arrival, visitors are greeted by the now well-recognised piece P.Y.T by Appau Junior Boakye-Yiadom, which features a pair of penny loafers being held up by balloons. The piece stands alone in a tubular structure creating a central point in an otherwise darkened room. The colour of the balloons helps to illuminate the space and shows the signature Jackson pose as a lasting first impression.

Directly behind the structure is one of the new pieces to the Germany offering entitled simply ‘Michael Joseph Jackson’ by artist KAI who produced a visual of a young Jackson at the early stages of his epic records solo career, atop a horse, being lead by other generations of Jackson from the early years to 2009. I was absolutely taken with it. My perception of the piece, created in 2012 was that it represented Jackson at his ‘commercial peak’ riding the horse like a king, with all the other eras of Jackson appearing to be, still well presented but not on the level of the one who sits above them. Of course, different people will form different interpretations and that’s the beauty of this exhibition.

Another new feature to the German incarnation is a statue of Jackson and Bubbles by artist Paul McCarthy, based on another original statue of Jackson and Bubbles by artist Jeff Koons. With an elongated foot, hand and heads, the McCarthy version was created in the late 90s and is supported by its counterpart ‘Green Grey Symmetrical Michael Jackson’ which featured in both London and Paris. It’s domineering presence in the centre of the room means you almost have to stop and take it in.

Also there are the fan favourite – The Dangerous Album Cover, the Brainwash-created piece for the Xscape album, the Jackson-worn Dinner Jacket and two of the Warhol prints – plus a personal favourite of mine – ‘In Memory of Michael Jackson’ by artist Yan Pei Ming.

What was noticeable was how the team at the Bundeskunsthalle have carefully considered what pieces work together and have given each one the correct backdrop and lighting to make it stand out. The Dangerous Album cover stood out more than it had done in London and Paris and gives visitors the chance to really get up close to inspect each and every hidden detail.

The press conference, which I attended, formed part of the preview event on the morning of Thursday 21st March and was unfortunately dominated by the headlines and how the gallery will be handling the fallout in light of the allegations. Rein Wolfs, Director of the Bundeskunsthalle stated clearly that the museum are not lawyers or a jury and are not here to judge or convict Jackson, but will be following the continued discussions surrounding the allegations. Along with Director of the National Portrait Gallery Nicholas Cullinan, who was also in attendance, the panel were affirmative that this was still very much about how Jackson’s influence on the world had been perceived by artists and not a life story, with Cullinan noting that some of the pieces may be perceived differently.  Wolfs further stated the museum would be prepared for what may be some challenging commentary and had people on hand who would be willing to engage in discussion around the allegations, as well as open talk on Sunday 7th April to unpack the relationship between the art-and-the-artist (Jackson).

Ultimately, the art on display presents unique perceptions of Jackson who is one of the most explored, discussed, misunderstood and depicted figures of our time. It’s a celebration of yet another strength of his career – to influence an audience he wasn’t intentionally reaching out to.

Michael Jackson: On The Wall will stay in Germany for four months, marking its longest run anywhere on the tour. Thankfully for the Bundeskunsthalle, Jackson fans in Germany are some of the most loyal and their support for the exhibition will no doubt be plentiful.

Despite a somewhat disappointing set up in Paris, that felt both lazy and uninspired, the Bundeskunsthalle had big shoes to fill to live up to the show’s London outing – and it did! Presenting a wonderfully diverse and well thought out exhibition for people from all walks of life to enjoy. If you’re in Germany, I highly recommend a visit for some cultural reflection.

Pez Jax
Follow Pez on twitter @pezjax