# Dead Icons as Martyrs Michael Jackson Portrait by David LaChapelle By mediterranean | Published 2009-09-13 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michael-jackson-portrait-david-lachapelle References: [homotography.blogspot](http://homotography.blogspot.com/2009/09/david-lachapelle-michael-jackson.html) Famous [celebrity photographer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sonic-editions) David LaChapelle pays tribute to Michael Jackson with a new portrait that shows the late King of Pop as a saint and modern-day martyr. The new image is part of a trioligy inspired by Mexican saint cards. LaChapelle used a young Michael Jackson lookalike and shot the portrait in Hawaii. "I think there’s something really biblical about what happened,” explains David LaChapelle of Michael Jackson’s troubled life. “His lyrics are so naive and so beautiful. It’s one of the most epic stories of our time, to go from such heights to such depths. He’s a modern-day martyr." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 76% | Activity: 98% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Celebs](https://www.trendhunter.com/celebs) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Martyr Portraits:** Creating portraits of famous icons as modern-day martyrs, inspired by religious imagery and symbolism. - **Celebrity Tributes:** Photographers paying tribute to famous celebrities by capturing their essence and impact through art. - **Biblical Inspiration:** Drawing inspiration from biblical stories and themes to create powerful visual representations of modern-day events. ### Where This Applies - **Fine Art:** Opportunity to create and sell unique and thought-provoking artworks that blend popular culture with religious symbolism. - **Entertainment:** Collaborations between photographers and celebrities to create meaningful and impactful visual content for promotion and commemoration. - **Religious Art:** Combining religious imagery and contemporary art to create pieces that explore modern-day struggles and complexities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Collectable Singer-Honoring Coins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/george-michael-coin.md) - [Collectible Historical Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thrilljoy-pix.md) - [Iconic Touring Artist Makeup](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/madonnas-makeup.md) - [Collaborative Designer Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/just-like-heaven-art-exhibition.md) - [Celebratory Photo Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sonic-editions.md) - [Iconic Singer-Starring Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saint-laurent-and-diana-ross.md) - [Villain-Inspired Graphic Streetwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saint-mxxxxxx.md) - [Miniature Artful Hip-Hop Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/danny-cortes.md) - [Commemorative Skateboarding Decks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harold-hunter.md)