Son Donghyun

signed with artist's seal and executed in 2008

Private Collection, Seoul

Seoul, Gallery 2, King, November 13-December 20, 2008

The work is generally in good condition. There are no apparent condition issues with the work.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

"The reason why we look back on Michael Jackson now is not because he is either a record breaker or a scandal maker but because his music shows how popular music has met fashion, video, attitude and even science.  Nowadays, Michael Jackson is regarded as a tragic star who shined the world for a while but soon falls down.  A large number of youngsters, however, strive to take the 'trail of becoming a king in mass culture' Michael Jackson carved.  As all history did, the history of Michael Jackson will repeat again and again in the history of mass culture."

-          Son Donghyun

 

The 8^th out of 24 works in the sequential King series chronicling the evolution of Michael Jackson, Portrait of the King shows the star seated on a chair covered with a tiger's hide and his feet resting on an embellished pedestal.  Presented in a format echoing that of imperial portraits in the Oriental tradition, the painting is consistent with the artist's signature style of suturing together classical painting techniques and media with Western popular cultural iconography.  Through creating such pictorial paradoxes, Son Donghyun reflects on contemporary Korean society and its entrenchment in the lure of Americanism.