Michael Jackson – On the Wall

Michael Jackson – On the Wall

We had the honor of designing the exhibition architecture for the grand showcase Michael Jackson – On the Wall at the Bundeskunsthalle. Previously displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in London and the Grand Palais in Paris, the exhibition featured paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations by renowned artists such as David LaChapelle and Paul McCarthy, all centered around the King of Pop.

Michael Jackson is one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, with a legacy that extends into the new millennium. While his impact on pop culture is widely recognized, his significant influence on contemporary art remains a largely untold story. Since Andy Warhol first used Jackson’s image in 1982, he has become one of the most frequently depicted figures in media and art.

The exhibition explored how Michael Jackson inspired generations of leading contemporary artists, showcasing works across various media. For the first time, over 40 artists from around the world were featured, with exhibits drawn from public and private collections, including pieces created specifically for the exhibition.

Highlights of the Exhibition Design

We presented Michael Jackson through 134 works by 53 artists, including early portraits by Andy Warhol, pieces by Keith Haring and Isa Genzken, and David LaChapelle’s monumental triptych American Jesus, which powerfully highlighted his cultural significance as the first globalized African-American artist. The entrance area we designed served as a gateway to the vibrant world of the King of Pop. Visitors entered the exhibition through a dark room showcasing Jackson’s iconic dance pose with his shoes, suspended above the ground and supported by colorful balloons. This installation invited guests to step into Jackson’s universe.

Colors, Stories, and Movement

The exhibition’s color schemes reflected different phases of Jackson’s life and career, as well as the costumes he wore. The parcours offered moments of quiet reflection, allowing visitors to engage with the stories behind the artworks, alongside dynamic, lively spaces that inspired joy and movement.

A standout feature was the luminous cubes inspired by David LaChapelle. Based on his 1998 photograph of Jackson, we created a three-dimensional installation where similar cubes extended into the room, making it appear as though Jackson was stepping out of the image and continuing into the space.

To bring Jackson’s energy to life, we designed a dedicated room where his music was played. Here, visitors could sing and dance, experiencing the King of Pop in an interactive and immersive way.

The parcours combined art, sound, and experience. Each room was designed with colors, shapes, and artworks that told a unique story, guiding visitors on an emotional journey through Jackson’s artistic and cultural legacy.

A Collaboration of Global Excellence

The exhibition content was developed by the National Portrait Gallery in London and reorganized for the Bundeskunsthalle in collaboration with the Michael Jackson Estate. We provided the architectural design to present the content in an immersive and impactful setting.

This comprehensive and vibrant showcase celebrated Michael Jackson’s enduring influence on art and culture, offering visitors a deeper appreciation of his legacy as an icon and muse for countless artists.