StephluvsMJ
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I don't know if this is the right place to post this... But I've always thought that the Dangerous cover art was Michael's best album cover. I could just stare at that picture for ages. I found this article about the artwork on the cover and I found it really interesting.
The Dangerous album cover.
For the purpose of this article the artwork will be discussed in sections. The top centre (TC) consisting of crown and menagerie; left (L) consisting of the regal column; right (R) consisting of the female regal column; bottom section (B).
Top Centre.
When one's eyes first glance the cover they are immediately drawn to the top centre consisting of MJ's eyes, name, and crown. Paying attention to the crown we see it being held either side by two winged angels. These angels hold the crown over the head of a monkey, who is in turn being held by a fairy princess. This symbolises the evolution of humankind and represents the close ties and inter-connectiveness we as humans have to the animal kingdom. A theme that is represented several times in the artwork. The inclusion of angels and the fairy and the pictorial hierarchy represents the link between the divine (God -> angels) and the magical (fairy). This also shows MJ's belief in a higher power and the ability to create magic.
To the left and right of this rests two more angels, and two female goddess, all holding trumpets in a 'fanfare' like pose. This harks back to a regal era where an important event was heralded by a fanfare of trumpets and music. Below this is a lit marquee bearing MJ's name. Of interest is the inclusion of the star at the end of the name positioned under the "n". This is a link to MJ's ownership of his work as it represents his autograph which has an explosive star at the end of the n. To the left and right of the marquee are two clown faces, one smiling and one frowning. This represents the two extremes of life, namely happiness and sorrow (a theme represented in several songs within the album). This is also an Mj-ised interpretation of the classic theatrical drama masks.
Peering from behind the marquee are the eyes of MJ. He stares intently at the viewer and almost gives the impression of Michael hiding behind an old-fashioned fancy dress mask. Michael's eyes watching over the piece shows his concern for the world and also his awareness of his own image.
Directly below the eyes is a peacock with its feathers displayed. The peacock represents MJ's acknowledgement of his past with the Jackson 5 and the Jacksons. When MJ was first given complete control over his work with his brothers with the release of the Destiny album, he included the Peacock as the symbol for the Jacksons and also created Peacock Productions. Included in the liner notes of the Triumph and Destiny album is the following quote:
Peacock History
"Through the ages, the peacock has been honoured and praised for its attractive, illustrious beauty. In all the bird family, the peacock is the only species that integrates all colours into one, and displays this radiance of fire only when in love. We like the peacock, try to integrate all races into one, through the love and power of music."
Again, Michael strives to unite the world through his music (as is evident in Heal the World). The peacock is surrounded by a menagerie of animals that trail off to the sides. Among the animals are elephants, deer, whales, frogs, lions, rabbits, and buffalo. The elephant to the right of the peacock has the number nine embedded on its skull. The significance of the nine represents the number of Jackson siblings and Michael's bond with his family. At the centre of the menagerie is an encased jewel with a red star on it. This is a representation of Michael as a star, the use of the regal colour red represents the royalty associated with MJ's King of Pop title.
Moving to the Left we have the King's column. The column begins with a clown riding an elephant who is balancing on a ball. A symbol used frequently by circus operators. The clown holds a star over the column. Resting above the throne are various angels filling the air with music. In fact throughout the piece, the images of angels playing music instruments is represented. This shows how MJ is surrounded by music, and its supreme importance in his life.
Upon the throne sits the King. This creature has a dog’s head placed on a human body. The dog has long flowing hair and assumes a regal pose. Upon the dog's head rests a crown with the initials MJ engraved on it. Likewise the left foot of the King (our right) has a sandal on it with the initials MJ on it. This represents Michael as the King, a notion supported further by the right hand of the King being clad in a glowing white glove. This glowing white glove was also represented on the Album cover of the Jackson's Victory album. The glowing white glove represents magic and the wearer's ability to create magic. The king is clothed in a red (regal) gown and his left hand holds a staff with a
hand on the end of it. The hand is making the peace gesture, another concern of the King (MJ). The king’s right hand holds a staff with a bird’s head on it (the queen) and represents his love for his queen. Sitting either side of the throne are a fox and duck, portraying the hunter (fox) and the hunted (duck) MJ has often felt that he has been hounded and hunted by the press. However in this representation the fox has no hind legs and thus cannot catch its prey. Michael shows that whilst the press is hunted he is not going to be stopped or harmed by their attacks. Surrounding the throne are a flying monkey, an Angel, and a statue. The monkey is a nod to "The Wizard of Oz" a journey in search of magic and discovery and also to Michael's performance in the Wiz. The angel is from a painting from Raphael, and the statue represents the goddess of love. Also shown are angels riding in a circle around the throne inside fish. Whilst a surreal image, it represents the joy of amusement rides similar to those found at Disneyland, and the joy they bring. Looking at the throne as a whole the overriding imagery is one of love. The things Michael loves and the strength and power that love brings.
Looking at the Queen's throne (R) we are presented with a birdlike queen. Again her right hand is wearing a white glove, showing her connection to her king. This is also supported by the dog staff she is holding, also representing the mutual love she has for her king. This queen is dressed in a Victorian era, a favourite of Michael's, and holds in her left hand a very precious and delicate ball shaped jewellery box. From her crown fly a group of fairies in a circular arc. Rather than having a human lower torso, the queen is shown as being run by machinery. The dress is being pulled back by two swallows. From the machinery comes a flower stem that is attached to a bubble containing a scene from Bosch's "Garden of Lust". The use of the flower and machinery is a description of nature as a life force. The Queens throne is surrounded by images of nature. This mix of machinery and nature represents how man has damaged Mother Nature and has tried to control her with his machines and factories, thus the half-human half machine blend. To the left of the throne is a bust of child. He is half white and half black representing the harmony that could exist in a world that allowed the differences in races to co-exist.
In the bottom section of the picture, the centre portion depicts an industrial backdrop filled with pollution. As part of this factory the world appears turned upside down. Flowing through the world’s factory is a volatile mix of poison, nuclear waste, pollution, war, violence, disease, and a focus on space. This represents a critique on the way we as humans treat the world. Over running it with factories spewing out pollution, and ruining it with the by-products of our existence we are throwing the world into disarray and chaos.
Either side of the world's factory, is an entrance and exit. This journey of life passes through this factory on the left and exits on the right. The entrance is taken from MJ's favourite ride at Disneyland "The Pirates of the Caribbean". On this ride animals enter alive, however by passing through the man-spoilt world, they do not survive and exit extinct. The only one to survive this journey is man, the person responsible for the destruction. Two figures exit the world safe, they are Macauly Culkin, and MJ. MJ is depicted as a young Jackson 5 member, but is dressed in a Thriller-era jacket. This represents MJ's musical journey from J5 to the present. Above the exit is an eye, showing that someone is watching. Whilst I do not think this is MJ's eye, it does depict the vision of man looking over the world, but will he recognise what he is doing.
In front of the centre section is MJ’s hand. The hand has the number 7 engraved in it. The number 7 has been quoted as the number of goodness, is believed to be magical and bring good fortune. On the hand is an image of the world, this shows MJ’s concern for the world and his ability to help. Standing on the hand is a native child (the first child?) holding the skull of an extinct animal (possibly a dinosaur). This symbolises the plight of humanity, who if they do not take care of the world will also become extinct. To the right of the centre is P.T. Barnum the entrepreneur responsible for running "the greatest show on earth". An axiom that MJ has adopted as his own, and strives to work towards achieving. On Barnum's lapel is a pin with the "1998" symbol. This symbol has been the signature for MJ for the past few years, and signifies the year MJ will turn 40. Upon his head rests a dwarf magician. The magician wears a white glove on his right hand and holds a wand. He is the magician, the creator of magic with his wand pointed at the king's throne, imparting magic to MJ. Upon his head he wears a hat with the number 7 on it, again a symbolic representation of magic.
The four pillars running across the bottom feature four women. Three of them hold branches, the last does not. The first (L) has a skull positioned over her left breast. Does this represent a woman with an ill heart? The final woman (R) wears a sullen face. This could (and I'm stretching) represent the mother of the three daughters. She is at peace with two of them (Reebie and Janet) but is saddened by one of them with an ill heart (La Toya). The columns that these women stand on also represent facets of MJ's career. From left to right they represent his music (white glove), his Captain Eo film (sun and EO) and the peace symbol (his wish for harmony).
In the pop-up collectors edition there are two additions. A dog with only hind legs and head, and a little girl carrying a beetle. Of interest is the fact that the girl is wearing one sock. A white one on her right foot. Other points of interest are the representation of gargoyles on either side of the thrones. Gargoyles were traditionally used to ward of evil spirits. Thus MJ and his Queen are looking for peace, and goodness and the eradication of evil. Either side of the entrance and exit rest MJ statutes dressed in his "Thriller" Grammy Awards outfit.
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The Dangerous album cover.
For the purpose of this article the artwork will be discussed in sections. The top centre (TC) consisting of crown and menagerie; left (L) consisting of the regal column; right (R) consisting of the female regal column; bottom section (B).
Top Centre.
When one's eyes first glance the cover they are immediately drawn to the top centre consisting of MJ's eyes, name, and crown. Paying attention to the crown we see it being held either side by two winged angels. These angels hold the crown over the head of a monkey, who is in turn being held by a fairy princess. This symbolises the evolution of humankind and represents the close ties and inter-connectiveness we as humans have to the animal kingdom. A theme that is represented several times in the artwork. The inclusion of angels and the fairy and the pictorial hierarchy represents the link between the divine (God -> angels) and the magical (fairy). This also shows MJ's belief in a higher power and the ability to create magic.
To the left and right of this rests two more angels, and two female goddess, all holding trumpets in a 'fanfare' like pose. This harks back to a regal era where an important event was heralded by a fanfare of trumpets and music. Below this is a lit marquee bearing MJ's name. Of interest is the inclusion of the star at the end of the name positioned under the "n". This is a link to MJ's ownership of his work as it represents his autograph which has an explosive star at the end of the n. To the left and right of the marquee are two clown faces, one smiling and one frowning. This represents the two extremes of life, namely happiness and sorrow (a theme represented in several songs within the album). This is also an Mj-ised interpretation of the classic theatrical drama masks.
Peering from behind the marquee are the eyes of MJ. He stares intently at the viewer and almost gives the impression of Michael hiding behind an old-fashioned fancy dress mask. Michael's eyes watching over the piece shows his concern for the world and also his awareness of his own image.
Directly below the eyes is a peacock with its feathers displayed. The peacock represents MJ's acknowledgement of his past with the Jackson 5 and the Jacksons. When MJ was first given complete control over his work with his brothers with the release of the Destiny album, he included the Peacock as the symbol for the Jacksons and also created Peacock Productions. Included in the liner notes of the Triumph and Destiny album is the following quote:
Peacock History
"Through the ages, the peacock has been honoured and praised for its attractive, illustrious beauty. In all the bird family, the peacock is the only species that integrates all colours into one, and displays this radiance of fire only when in love. We like the peacock, try to integrate all races into one, through the love and power of music."
Again, Michael strives to unite the world through his music (as is evident in Heal the World). The peacock is surrounded by a menagerie of animals that trail off to the sides. Among the animals are elephants, deer, whales, frogs, lions, rabbits, and buffalo. The elephant to the right of the peacock has the number nine embedded on its skull. The significance of the nine represents the number of Jackson siblings and Michael's bond with his family. At the centre of the menagerie is an encased jewel with a red star on it. This is a representation of Michael as a star, the use of the regal colour red represents the royalty associated with MJ's King of Pop title.
Moving to the Left we have the King's column. The column begins with a clown riding an elephant who is balancing on a ball. A symbol used frequently by circus operators. The clown holds a star over the column. Resting above the throne are various angels filling the air with music. In fact throughout the piece, the images of angels playing music instruments is represented. This shows how MJ is surrounded by music, and its supreme importance in his life.
Upon the throne sits the King. This creature has a dog’s head placed on a human body. The dog has long flowing hair and assumes a regal pose. Upon the dog's head rests a crown with the initials MJ engraved on it. Likewise the left foot of the King (our right) has a sandal on it with the initials MJ on it. This represents Michael as the King, a notion supported further by the right hand of the King being clad in a glowing white glove. This glowing white glove was also represented on the Album cover of the Jackson's Victory album. The glowing white glove represents magic and the wearer's ability to create magic. The king is clothed in a red (regal) gown and his left hand holds a staff with a
hand on the end of it. The hand is making the peace gesture, another concern of the King (MJ). The king’s right hand holds a staff with a bird’s head on it (the queen) and represents his love for his queen. Sitting either side of the throne are a fox and duck, portraying the hunter (fox) and the hunted (duck) MJ has often felt that he has been hounded and hunted by the press. However in this representation the fox has no hind legs and thus cannot catch its prey. Michael shows that whilst the press is hunted he is not going to be stopped or harmed by their attacks. Surrounding the throne are a flying monkey, an Angel, and a statue. The monkey is a nod to "The Wizard of Oz" a journey in search of magic and discovery and also to Michael's performance in the Wiz. The angel is from a painting from Raphael, and the statue represents the goddess of love. Also shown are angels riding in a circle around the throne inside fish. Whilst a surreal image, it represents the joy of amusement rides similar to those found at Disneyland, and the joy they bring. Looking at the throne as a whole the overriding imagery is one of love. The things Michael loves and the strength and power that love brings.
Looking at the Queen's throne (R) we are presented with a birdlike queen. Again her right hand is wearing a white glove, showing her connection to her king. This is also supported by the dog staff she is holding, also representing the mutual love she has for her king. This queen is dressed in a Victorian era, a favourite of Michael's, and holds in her left hand a very precious and delicate ball shaped jewellery box. From her crown fly a group of fairies in a circular arc. Rather than having a human lower torso, the queen is shown as being run by machinery. The dress is being pulled back by two swallows. From the machinery comes a flower stem that is attached to a bubble containing a scene from Bosch's "Garden of Lust". The use of the flower and machinery is a description of nature as a life force. The Queens throne is surrounded by images of nature. This mix of machinery and nature represents how man has damaged Mother Nature and has tried to control her with his machines and factories, thus the half-human half machine blend. To the left of the throne is a bust of child. He is half white and half black representing the harmony that could exist in a world that allowed the differences in races to co-exist.
In the bottom section of the picture, the centre portion depicts an industrial backdrop filled with pollution. As part of this factory the world appears turned upside down. Flowing through the world’s factory is a volatile mix of poison, nuclear waste, pollution, war, violence, disease, and a focus on space. This represents a critique on the way we as humans treat the world. Over running it with factories spewing out pollution, and ruining it with the by-products of our existence we are throwing the world into disarray and chaos.
Either side of the world's factory, is an entrance and exit. This journey of life passes through this factory on the left and exits on the right. The entrance is taken from MJ's favourite ride at Disneyland "The Pirates of the Caribbean". On this ride animals enter alive, however by passing through the man-spoilt world, they do not survive and exit extinct. The only one to survive this journey is man, the person responsible for the destruction. Two figures exit the world safe, they are Macauly Culkin, and MJ. MJ is depicted as a young Jackson 5 member, but is dressed in a Thriller-era jacket. This represents MJ's musical journey from J5 to the present. Above the exit is an eye, showing that someone is watching. Whilst I do not think this is MJ's eye, it does depict the vision of man looking over the world, but will he recognise what he is doing.
In front of the centre section is MJ’s hand. The hand has the number 7 engraved in it. The number 7 has been quoted as the number of goodness, is believed to be magical and bring good fortune. On the hand is an image of the world, this shows MJ’s concern for the world and his ability to help. Standing on the hand is a native child (the first child?) holding the skull of an extinct animal (possibly a dinosaur). This symbolises the plight of humanity, who if they do not take care of the world will also become extinct. To the right of the centre is P.T. Barnum the entrepreneur responsible for running "the greatest show on earth". An axiom that MJ has adopted as his own, and strives to work towards achieving. On Barnum's lapel is a pin with the "1998" symbol. This symbol has been the signature for MJ for the past few years, and signifies the year MJ will turn 40. Upon his head rests a dwarf magician. The magician wears a white glove on his right hand and holds a wand. He is the magician, the creator of magic with his wand pointed at the king's throne, imparting magic to MJ. Upon his head he wears a hat with the number 7 on it, again a symbolic representation of magic.
The four pillars running across the bottom feature four women. Three of them hold branches, the last does not. The first (L) has a skull positioned over her left breast. Does this represent a woman with an ill heart? The final woman (R) wears a sullen face. This could (and I'm stretching) represent the mother of the three daughters. She is at peace with two of them (Reebie and Janet) but is saddened by one of them with an ill heart (La Toya). The columns that these women stand on also represent facets of MJ's career. From left to right they represent his music (white glove), his Captain Eo film (sun and EO) and the peace symbol (his wish for harmony).
In the pop-up collectors edition there are two additions. A dog with only hind legs and head, and a little girl carrying a beetle. Of interest is the fact that the girl is wearing one sock. A white one on her right foot. Other points of interest are the representation of gargoyles on either side of the thrones. Gargoyles were traditionally used to ward of evil spirits. Thus MJ and his Queen are looking for peace, and goodness and the eradication of evil. Either side of the entrance and exit rest MJ statutes dressed in his "Thriller" Grammy Awards outfit.
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