Meredith Danluck
Michael Jackson, Jesus Christ...Coca-Cola
Renwick Gallery, New York
May 18 - June 23, 2007
Renwick Gallery presents the opening of MEREDITH DANLUCK's new film "Michael Jackson, Jesus Christ…Coca-Cola". This is the first show for Renwick Gallery and Danluck's first New York solo show in three years.
"Michael Jackson, Jesus Christ…Coca-Cola" is a 12-minute video capturing Danluck's experience attending a fan appreciation day hosted by Michael Jackson in Tokyo, Japan. Just 300 tickets for the exclusive event were priced at $3,500, for which attendees would get 30 seconds with the King of Pop. Meredith Danluck obtained ticket number 294, went to Tokyo to document the event, talk to zealot-like fans and film her allotted 30-second meeting with Michael Jackson himself. During the event there were numerous performances by local Japanese dance troupes and impersonators, primarily re-enactments of 80's classics Billie Jean and Thriller. Such blatant homage to the celebrated past of the superstar's enigma illuminated the undeniable contrast to his fallen present. Meredith Danluck returned to New York to film one of Michael Jackson's decoys, Joby Rogers, who is hired by Jackson's camp for events and concerts in the New England area. Joby, filmed by Meredith Danluck through a 2-way mirror, discusses his experiences as an impersonator, the culture of celebrity, and the iconic Michael Jackson, as he transforms into Jackson. Ultimately, the film explores ideas of worship, obsession and the current pathos of celebrity by reflecting on the world's most iconic and notorious performer.
MEREDITH DANLUCK graduated The School of Visual Art in NY in 1998 and has been living and working in NY as a visual artist, documentary film-maker, film editor and producer over the last several years. Meredith Danlucks work is currently on view in "Stuff" at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit. Her most recent solo show includes, "Toward Thee Infinite Beat" at Andrew Kreps Gallery, New York, 2003. Her most recent group shows include "Compulsive" at the Palais du Tokyo, Paris, 2007, "The Roots" as official selection of the Margaret Meade Film Festival, New York, 2006, and "Musicians, Criticism and Interpretation" at the Reina Sofia Museum, 2006.
RENWICK GALLERY
45 Renwick Street, New York, NY 10013
www.renwickgallery.com
