Michael Jackson: 1958 - 2009

It is no secret that celebrity news, while intriguing, annoys the hell out of me. People imprison themselves in their own shortcomings and mediocrity through the lives of Bradgelina and whoever decided it was a good idea to let "Entertainment Tonight" exist in the first place. There is one celebrity story I cannot ignore, however, and that is the death of Michael Jackson. Michael himself was a victim of constant media and tabloid fallacies, he of course, was a very strange man with issues far beyond what many of us could even imagine. However, his contributions to my life, and to the World are undeniable. I have heard a few people scoff at me even mentioning his importance, but when I think about it, Michael has given more to the human race than many of my argument-ors or their genepool will ever, combined.

One of my earliest memories, ever, consists of me watching Michael Jackson on MTV. I was obsessed. His impact on me creatively is just as, if not more important than that of Spielberg, Jack Kirby, or any other countless number of artists or musicians. He was one of my first introductions to new media, to a field which I am still pursuing and am deeply impassioned in today. I play music largely because of his early influence. I want to make films, mostly because of "Thriller" and John Lydon's behind-the-scenes documentary (which I watched every year for, not even kidding, 15 years of my life); it is second to Discovery Channel's 'Movie Magic' in terms of engaging me in the production process for a film, and I will never forget it. Michael's "Leave Me Alone" may be one of my favorite music videos ever, and is of course, one of my first introductions to collage, and certainly animated collage.

There is no doubt that this man has changed my life, and seeing that he is now gone, I look back and think of how he took nothing and made something for everyone to enjoy, as all great artists do. He is Legendary, and everyone who counters with a "ohh, he was a pedophile" is completely missing the point of his existence here on this planet. I could go into depth about how I believe his incriminations were complete bullshit, certainly due to those around him who took advantage of his vulnerabilities and played off of his strangeness in order to suit their own financial inhibitions, but I will just remind them to STFU. Phil Spector, a friggin' maniac murderer made MAJOR contributions to the world of music, and nobody can deny it. The thing is, you can walk down any street and people will KNOW Michael Jackson, firsthand, as opposed to Phil Spector, who they may not know, but may through an artist they do know.

"Thriller" is probably in your home. I wouldn't doubt that the Bible is second in sales behind "Thriller's," but I don't want to be too controversial. I would just like to remember Michael as one of the greatest influences on my creative lifestyle, and I hope he is remembered for all that he has given us, which does not include stories for the tabloid media, or TMZ (who I hope implodes, along with Perez Hilton, that attention-mongering, useless, baby). On that note, I leave you with 1987's "Leave Me Alone" video, a groundbreaking 80's collage video in which Michael confronts the media who can't shut up and let him make music without them feeling the need to dig into his personal life. Sad that this was a precursor to everything that followed. Rest in peace, Michael.

CMA's East Wing

The Cleveland Museum of Art opened its new East Wing, and let me just say what's already been said: HOLY S**T. I honestly did not know the Museum even had any Contemporary Art, where have they been hiding it? I only visited once in 2004 before the renovations, but now that it's open again, they're rocking some Sol Lewitt, Gerhard Richter, Mark Rothko, Cai Guo-Qiang, and so on. Honestly, I had a smile on my face the entire time. I've probably seen the same Picasso paintings 15 times over the year, so this was a pleasant and VERY welcomed surprise.

And, as I was looking at Claude Monet's "Water Lillies," James Franco and his tour-guide (and friend) walked up next to me to admire it. I obviously pretended not to notice his presence (he wasn't the only good actor in that gallery) and noticed everyone else staring at the nearby Degas and Cubist paintings much longer than usual. He spent maybe 5 minutes in the gallery and went back to do his Q&A for his art-house film showing.

Anyways, the museum opens again to the public next week and I suggest we all go, A LOT. We are very privileged to even have such a museum in Cleveland, and we should not take this for granted.

Oh, and also, Dan Deacon Friday night = WOW. For such an obscure venue and mixed crowd (40% of the concert goers payed over $100 to get in, the rest of us a mere $15), including: talking to the God of thunder not to rain on us (it was outside) because "we are not afraid of you!, spit on us" and a countdown to the first song which also happened to synch to fireworks. It drizzled and we got a tarp to hold over his table and it was so much fun, I managed to stay dry but yes, that show will go down as one of my most memorable ever.

These images can be found at another blog...http://jimjanek.blogspot.com/

My head is in the second picture with the fireworks!

More AMAZING pictures from the galleries and Summer Solstice Party can be found at...http://www.flickr.com/photos/clevelandart/sets/72157620257799382/show/

Summer so far

I haven't been doing too much artwork lately, well, aside from doodling in my Sketchbook and various side jobs (such as constructing a giant Transformer-themed M&M for Walgreens). Most of my time has been spent writing and recording music with my band, taking care of my house while my roommates are away, and driving out to the West side for work. Lots of late nights. Lots.