If you’ve ever pondered the parallels between religious reliquary and Michael Jackson’s sequined glove, or maybe thought that “mama-se, mama-sa, ma-ma-coo-sa” might as well be Latin, you’re probably a lot like artist Russel Parish.
The 31-year-old transplant from Colorado has a new exhibit opening this week at Figureworks on North 6th Street in Williamsburg, exploring the late King of Pop’s iconic imagery and its impact on the public psyche.
From “ABC” wunderkind, to “The Man in the Mirror”, “The Cult of Michael Jackson” explores the public’s devotion to a mercurial artist whose chronic metamorphosis often shocked and dismayed, but did little to shake the ardor directed his way.
“I do not want to portray him as godlike,” Parish says. “It’s a discussion about how as a society we put figures on a pedestal. It’s probably a study of my own addiction.”
Spread out over two rooms, the “Chapel” at Figureworks is intended to afford devotees and the just plain curious with a place to come and contemplate MJ through the use of faux-orthodox iconography and a “full line of dolls representing the reinvention of his life.”
You can also pick up some collectible soap, candles and T-shirts.
“The Cult of Michael Jackson transcends thousands of years of hate, war, and spiritual prisons of other religions; and instead brings the world into a new order: one of love, soul, funk and pop,” Parish says. “We could end the entire world’s suffering and we could literally blame it on the boogie.”
As a gallery dedicated to the “fine art of the human form”, the “Cult of Michael Jackson”, has found a very receptive home indeed to meditate on a public figure who did more to modify and transform his own body than any other celebrity before or since.
“There are so many Michael Jacksons,” Parish says. “He spans the decades and generations.”
Be that as it may, whether you identify with the young, innocent Michael or the older, more inscrutable one, the late moonwalker’s image remains instantly recognizable the world over.
“There are a few elements to him that people can latch onto easily,” Parish says. “You just know him by his silhouette.”
The Cult of Michael Jackson premieres at Figureworks, 168 North 6th Street, on September 11. Gallery hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m.
For more information call the gallery at 718-486-7021.
The official opening night’s after party will be held at Hope Lounge, 10 Hope Street, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
