SPOTLIGHT
Neverland Lost: A Portrait of Michael Jackson (photography)
words courtesy: artslope
images: Henry Leutwyler
Article posted June 24, 2010
words courtesy: artslope
images: Henry Leutwyler
Article posted June 24, 2010
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*Above: "Neverland Lost book cover"
*Above: "MJ Neverland To Be Auctioned"
Swiss-born, New York-based photographer Henry Leutwyler’s new series, “Neverland Lost: A Portrait of Michael Jackson,” considers Jackson’s life through the artifacts he’s left behind: the iconic white glove, the black hat, the bejeweled jackets. Shot at Neverland Ranch in the year prior to Jackson’s death (when these items were intended for auction), this extensive series of archeological-style object portraits reveals a side of Jackson most were not privy to: the life of a man caught between his public persona as one of the greatest entertainers of all time and his sequestered, private life. Collectively, they also compose an adult Jackson’s self-constructed fantasy world, one which seemed in many ways an attempt to recreate a childhood he may never have really had.
Now, Leutwyler’s series has been published in gorgeous book form by Steidl, (available for purchase through Amazon), and an exhibit of the same name is open now through August 14th at M+B in Los Angeles. Below, check out photographs from the series, plus an interview with Leutwyler for Center Stage, Mark Gordon’s weekly radio show.
Now, Leutwyler’s series has been published in gorgeous book form by Steidl, (available for purchase through Amazon), and an exhibit of the same name is open now through August 14th at M+B in Los Angeles. Below, check out photographs from the series, plus an interview with Leutwyler for Center Stage, Mark Gordon’s weekly radio show.
*Above: "MJ Triumph Tour Capezio 1981 Sole"
*Above: "MJ White Christal Swarovski Glove"
According to the ever-eloquent Leutwyler: “This collection of photographs was never intended to be a book. In February of 2009, I flew to California on a magazine assignment to photograph the iconic white glove of pop star Michael Jackson. Even though I am a lifelong portrait photographer, I have always had the urge to investigate people through the simplicity of the artifacts that make up their lives. I went to Los Angeles with one vision in mind and little more than a day to capture it. Michael Jackson’s primary home at Neverland had been vacant for several years and his belongings lay packed and stored in crates, awaiting public auction. When I arrived at the venue for the shoot, I had no idea what I’d find. What I discovered in those crates evoked in me a deep sadness. From the man who would be king, his artefacts were of the simplest design. A sequinned tube sock. A child’s trinket. The famous glove – so revealing in its dime store simplicity, so mundane in its plainness. I completed the initial assignment in two days, yet found myself unable to leave. My assistants and I remained on location for another twenty-four hours, poring over more than a thousand items from which we had to choose our images. I returned to New York after three days, with a premonition that the task wasn’t finished.”
He goes on: “It seems that an individual’s belongings rarely become available without some tragedy as a backdrop. Despite my exhaustive efforts to create a window into Jackson’s private world, the portrait was not complete. I knew there were other objects that had not been made available to be photographed. In April of 2009, I flew back to California. Through perseverance and good fortune, we were granted one last access. This time, when I returned to New York, I had the pieces I needed to complete the story. Shortly thereafter, our investigation became a documentation of a life cut short. It is said that the Pharaohs built tombs to reveal their lives to future generations. Michael Jackson sacrificed his childhood to the calling of his musical gift. Neverland was the pyramid he constructed to a lost childhood. The artifacts captured in this book return us to the Neverland he lost.”
Henry Leutwyler’s work has appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Vogue, Esquire and Vanity Fair. In 2008, Leutwyler was the recipient of the ASME Magazine Cover of the Year award and recognized as the Graphis Photographer of the Year. His work has also received acclaim from the Art Directors Club of New York, The Society of Publication Designers, Photo District News, D&AD, American Photography and the James Beard Foundation.
learn more about this artist >
read more stories like this one at artslope.com >
He goes on: “It seems that an individual’s belongings rarely become available without some tragedy as a backdrop. Despite my exhaustive efforts to create a window into Jackson’s private world, the portrait was not complete. I knew there were other objects that had not been made available to be photographed. In April of 2009, I flew back to California. Through perseverance and good fortune, we were granted one last access. This time, when I returned to New York, I had the pieces I needed to complete the story. Shortly thereafter, our investigation became a documentation of a life cut short. It is said that the Pharaohs built tombs to reveal their lives to future generations. Michael Jackson sacrificed his childhood to the calling of his musical gift. Neverland was the pyramid he constructed to a lost childhood. The artifacts captured in this book return us to the Neverland he lost.”
Henry Leutwyler’s work has appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Vogue, Esquire and Vanity Fair. In 2008, Leutwyler was the recipient of the ASME Magazine Cover of the Year award and recognized as the Graphis Photographer of the Year. His work has also received acclaim from the Art Directors Club of New York, The Society of Publication Designers, Photo District News, D&AD, American Photography and the James Beard Foundation.
learn more about this artist >
read more stories like this one at artslope.com >