Michael, by Adel Abidin


Abidin is known for his arresting video installations, often commenting on pop culture and the

effects of media on contemporary life. In Michael, his latest video, Abidin imagines a resurrection

of Michael Jackson – one of the universally celebrated pop icons of our time. In the video Abidin

imagines a fictional scenario where Jackson is interviewed after his resurrection on a popular talk

show. In the show his answers appear surreal and evasive, but on closer examination are a

random compilations of lyrics extracted from his all time popular songs. Resurrected from the

dead Michael Jackson is treated like a prophetic figure who has returned to unveil universal truths

about the world before thousands of fans who have gathered in Times Square. “It has been a day

almost of a religious anticipation,” states the reporter in Times Square. Michael Jackson (with no

authority or accountability other than his cult status) provides answers to questions on existential

topics such as the mysteries of death, afterlife and immortality to an impressionable audience.

Michael is a commentary on pop culture’s influence on our contemporary world: our modern day

obsession with fame, youth and wealth places celebrities on a pedestal. In many cases they are

revered as our modern day messiahs, influencing our values, our tastes and behaviour.

The video alone was shown in Kiasma, Helsinki and at the Guangzhou Triennial in December 2015.

In Michael (2015) Adel Abidin imagines a resurrection of Michael Jackson – one of the universally celebrated pop icons of our time - where Jackson is interviewed on a popular talk show. In the show his answers appear surreal and evasive, but on closer examination are a random compilations of lyrics extracted from his all time popular songs. Resurrected from the dead Michael Jackson is treated like a prophetic figure who has returned to unveil universal truths about the world before thousands of fans who have gathered in Times Square. “It has been a day almost of a religious anticipation,” states the reporter in Times Square. Michael Jackson (with no authority or accountability other than his cult status) provides answers to questions on existential topics such as the mysteries of death, afterlife and immortality to an impressionable audience.
Michael is a commentary on pop culture’s influence on our contemporary world: our modern day obsession with fame, youth and wealth places celebrities on a pedestal. In many cases they are revered as our modern day messiahs, influencing our values, our tastes and behaviour.