"The Book" Brett Livingston Strong - painting commissioned by MJ
The 50-by-40-inch painting, called “The Book,” was done in 1990 by an Australian artist, Brett-Livingstone Strong, who was a close friend of Mr. Jackson and shared his taste for slightly fantastical style of life and dress.
The portrait depicts Mr. Jackson dressed in red velvet holding a journal of thoughts and sketches. “We called it, ‘The Book,'” Mr. Strong said. ‘What are you going to put in ‘The Book’ today, Michael?'” The backdrop is Neverland, with an image of Tinkerbell. The painting has touches of Vermeer, as that was one of Mr. Jackson’s favorite painters, Mr. Strong said.
A very unique painting, fortunately there are no questionable depictions of children in this. I think this one possibly symbolizes Michael's desire to be immortalized as a royal and elegant figure. But it also once again feeds into his ego to have himself artistically represented like he has magic powers. The book possibly symbolizes his dreams, his lyrics and his abilities. We are surrounded by a warm blue and orange view of Neverland. Strong is in the background while painting MJ and another MJ is to the left of him. Tinkerbell once again, a homage to his Neverland obsession. I think this one is trying to establish MJ as a fairytale figure, a deity who lives in a magical world, and that is why his home is Neverland, unrestrained. What that implies is ultimately up to you, hope you enjoy the read.