An art exhibit featuring Michael Jackson right now is controversial enough, but when the King of Pop is depicted as a real king, a holy figure and gets mixed up with Jesus … things get extra dicey.
Jackson is the focus of an art show at the Bundeskunsthalle museum in Bonn, Germany called “Michael Jackson: On the Wall” … and the timing couldn’t be more curious in the wake of “Leaving Neverland” and the #MuteMichael movement.
The artwork’s provocative as hell, too — literally — with one piece by David LaChapelle called “American Jesus: Archangel Michael Jackson” showing MJ with angel wings standing on the devil.
Another one of the artist’s ‘American Jesus’ pieces — titled ‘Hold Me, Carry Me Boldly’ — portrays Jackson being held by Jesus. It’s akin to Michelangelo’s Pietà sculpture, which portrays the crucified Jesus being cradled by his mother Mary.
There’s also a piece by artist Kehinde Wiley swapping out the face of Spain’s King Philip II for Michael’s.
You get the picture.
As you know … Jackson’s characterized as the opposite of a Christlike figure in the HBO documentary, which includes disturbing allegations from 2 of his accusers, Wade Robson and James Safechuck.
The impact of the doc has been wide-reaching, with many folks calling for an all-out Jackson ban … and even his episode of “The Simpsons” has been pulled.
Not in Germany though.