Celebrated portrait photographer Henry Leutwyler landed the chance of a lifetime when he gained access to crates of artifacts that had been removed from Michael Jackson’s Neverland ranch and were destined for auction prior to the pop star’s death. On a magazine assignment to document Jackson’s famous white glove in 2009, the Swiss-born, NYC-based photographer became fascinated by the simple nature of the possessions of a man who would be king. Creating striking still lifes from the costumes, trophies, and tawdry treasures Jackson left behind, Leutwyler captures the essence of the “King of Pop” — without him ever needing to be on camera.
Currently on view in an exhibition at the edgy LA photography gallery M+B and recently published in a succinct Steidl monograph, Neverland Lost is a lasting tribute to the man in the mirror who never seemed to make that change.
Click through below for a gallery of images and a video interview with the photographer.
Henry Leutwyler, Black Fedora, 2009, chromogenic print signed, dated and numbered verso, 62 x 48 inches edition of 5, 32-3/4 x 25-1/2 inches edition of 10, Courtesy M+B, Los Angeles
Henry Leutwyler, Crown No. 1, 2009, chromogenic print signed, dated and numbered verso, 62 x 48 inches edition of 5, 32-3/4 x 25-1/2 inches edition of 10, Courtesy M+B, Los Angeles
Henry Leutwyler, Dangerous Tour Bodysuit 1992-1993 No. 1, 2009, chromogenic print signed, dated and numbered verso, 62 x 48 inches edition of 5, 32-3/4 x 25-1/2 inches edition of 10, Courtesy M+B, Los Angeles
Henry Leutwyler, Triumph Tour Sock 1981, 2009, chromogenic print signed, dated and numbered verso, 62 x 48 inches edition of 5, 32-3/4 x 25-1/2 inches edition of 10, Courtesy M+B, Los Angeles
Henry Leutwyler, Early Performance Shirt Black, 2009, chromogenic print signed, dated and numbered verso, 62 x 48 inches edition of 5, 32-3/4 x 25-1/2 inches edition of 10, Courtesy M+B, Los Angeles
Henry Leutwyler, History Tour Jacket 1996-1997, 2009, chromogenic print signed, dated and numbered verso, 62 x 48 inches edition of 5, 32-3/4 x 25-1/2 inches edition of 10, Courtesy M+B, Los Angeles
Henry Leutwyler, Mickey Mouse Brooch, 2009, chromogenic print signed, dated and numbered verso, 62 x 48 inches edition of 5, 32-3/4 x 25-1/2 inches edition of 10, Courtesy M+B, Los Angeles
Henry Leutwyler, MTV Award Artist of the Decade 1990, 2009, chromogenic print signed, dated and numbered verso, 62 x 48 inches edition of 5, 32-3/4 x 25-1/2 inches edition of 10, Courtesy M+B, Los Angeles
Henry Leutwyler, Michael Jackson's Gold Throne, 2009, chromogenic print signed, dated and numbered verso, 62 x 48 inches edition of 5, 32-3/4 x 25-1/2 inches edition of 10, Courtesy M+B, Los Angeles
Henry Leutwyler, Red and Black Swarovski Crystal Glove, 2009, chromogenic print signed, dated and numbered verso, 62 x 48 inches edition of 5, 32-3/4 x 25-1/2 inches edition of 10, Courtesy M+B, Los Angeles
Henry Leutwyler, Triumph Tour Capezio Shoe (Top) 1981, 2009, chromogenic print signed, dated and numbered verso, 62 x 48 inches edition of 5, 32-3/4 x 25-1/2 inches edition of 10, Courtesy M+B, Los Angeles
Henry Leutwyler, Triumph Tour Capezio (Sole) 1981, 2009, chromogenic print signed, dated and numbered verso, 62 x 48 inches edition of 5, 32-3/4 x 25-1/2 inches edition of 10, Courtesy M+B, Los Angeles