Brett-Livingstone Strong's Michael Jackson Portrait
Missing in Auction
"What are you going to put in The Book today, Michael?"--B.S.
RT @mrjyn -http://bit.ly/hbeyq - "Brett-Livingstone Strong's #Michaeljackson Portrait Missing in #Auction " AND - http://bit.ly/rZwU3
Brett-Livingstone Strong Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.
'THE BOOK' STORY:
The owners of a long-hidden painting of Michael Jackson, reputed to be the only portrait he ever posed for, say they are trying to sell it amid the renewed interest after his death. The painting, last sold in 1990 for $2.1 million, was brought out of storage at New Jersey warehouse recently and put on display in a Harlem car showroom. The 50-by-40-inch painting, called The Book, was done in 1990 by Australian artist, Brett-Livingstone Strong, who was a close friend of Mr Jackson and shared his taste for slightly fantastical style of life and dress. The portrait depicts Mr Jackson dressed in red velvet holding a journal of thoughts and sketches. The backdrop is Neverland, with an image of Tinkerbell.
BIO:
Brett-Livingstone Strong is an Australian born artist (1954) best known for his philanthropic eccentric nature. He is an architect, sculptor and painter and modern day Michelangelo. Like in olden days, Brett-Livingstone Strong was Michael Jackson's personal portrait artist. In 1990 "The Book" sold for 2.1 Million Dollars. This world-renowned artist has been commissioned by Queen, President, Prince, and Dame (Elizabeth II, Reagan, Charles, and Taylor). This piece was the only portrait which, that, whom, Michael Jackson sat still (although looking at it--you wonder). Recently "The Book" made its first appearance in an Automotive Dealership near Harlem's Apollo Theatre, where she still hangs today, awaiting her turn with the auction house expectantly, following Andy Warhol's "Michael Jackson" sale. The portrait of Jackson is reminiscent of fifteenth-century portraiture, like Michelangelo. (I have trouble even copying and pasting that sentence.) A "tribute to creative genius and Jacksonian ideals (made that one up), the portrait is a combination of symbolism, technique, and made-to-order bumper stickers (or maybe that Escher Book you had in High School--also me). It is to art, what the Mona Lisa is to the Automotive Industry (coincidentally); both powerful, yet sensitive; both smiling, yet not; both luxury vehicle, yet Hybrid (mine again).
"In this work, a veil has been lifted to reveal Jackson (unfortunately the veil-allusion only works well with Michael's test-tubers) Wearing a smile reminiscent of Mona, a contemporary Renaissance man, Jackson is finally, eternally at peace with himself...a respite from the the sweet meat of innocence, in retrospect (the line between official bio and me now begins to get blurry)."
Michael Jackson referred to Brett-Livingstone as 'a postmodern evangelist, and the Rhett Butler of Vincent Van Goggles,' saying 'He really just don't give a damn.'
SUMP:
Again, strong, original painting. The Book sold for $2.1. Japanese businessman bought it. Overpaid in an Occidental fit of impulsion soon to be regretted. (You can't make this stuff up. I mean, unless you're BS.)
The Artist ABOUT:"Your timing could not be better...Brett is close to making a major announcement that could skyrocket the value of his art collection to even higher levels (than his current eBay auctions and Harlem Car Dealership prescence --ed).
WARNING! DO NOT READ BELOW IF YOU ARE A STARVING ARTIST CONSIDERING SUICIDE:
In 1977, he carved John Wayne's face in a 116-ton rock that fell onto Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. It sold in 1979 for $1.1 million to an Arizona company, and currently resides at the Lubbock Christian University (once again, I'm going to assume you know that that's in TX).
Strong created a life size bronze statue of John Lennon, imaginatively entitled, "Imagine" (Imagine that). He began work on the sculpture as a tribute to (guess?) six months before (yep, he was a musician) his untimely death (everyone he renders dies prematurely or falls on to the Pacific Coast Highway, increasing their value). Originally unveiled in New York City by Andy Warhol, it is currently in the possession of a private collector. (When you see some of the rest of his work, you'll understand, "what's with all the privacy?" Again, another reason he's like Michelangelo, which is one of the few things which rhymes with Tangelo [my favorite word].)
The painting touches Vermeer and fatwas--three of Mr Jackson's favorites.Provenance of "The Book" OR What Do the Yakuza, Inventors, and Car Dealers Have in Common?
The painting is owned by two toy inventors (wonder if they were gay), received from a Japanese businessman, who had bought it to make good on a debt ...
READ MORE AT MY BLOG:http://www.visualguidanceltd.blogspot.com
"The Book" Bullets:
The backdrop is Neverland, with an image of Tinkerbell.
The painting touches Vermeer and fatwas--three of Mr Jackson's favorites.
Provenance of "The Book" OR What Do the Yakuza, Toy Inventors, and Car Dealerships Have in Common?
The painting is owned by two toy inventors, received from a Japanese businessman, who had bought it to make good on a debt he owed inventors.
Mr Abrams tried selling it when he first took possession, but couldn't find an offer.
Mr Abrams put it in storage for 17 years.
Mr Abrams felt irreverent displaying it in his homes.
Mr Abrams' insurance is too expensive.
Mr Abrams was inspired to bring the painting out of storage.
Mr Jackson's death, a suitcase, and the story of Michael Jackson and Andy Warhol is another good story. Mr Abrams has received calls from far away, from people saying that they owned the painting.
Mr Abrams has been very skittish.Mr Abrams outreached to an auction house.
Mr Abrams doesn't understand the art market. Mr Abrams doesn't understand what it's worth.
Mr Abrams doesn't understand if it is worth $1 million. Mr Abrams doesn't understand if it might be worth $10 million. Mr Abrams' painting is displayed at the Dancy-Power Automotive on Lenox Avenue in Harlem. Mr Abrams doesn't understand that it is near the Apollo Theater.
Mr Abrams doesn't understand why it hasn't drawn huge crowds. Mr Abrams doesn't understand, in part because, Mr Abrams doesn't put a big sign in the window. Mr Abrams doesn't understand big signs. Mr Abrams' big sign might read: Michael Jackson Painting Here.
Mr Abrams doesn't understand Michael Jackson.