A major new work from artist Damien Hirst pays tribute to George Michael

[TexasTowelie]

Last edited Sat Mar 25, 2017, 06:08 AM - Edit history (1)

The news last Christmas that music icon George Michael had died unexpectedly shuddered a lot of people worldwide, but perhaps no more palpably did it hit than here in Dallas, where Michael and once made his home. Although he has his partner Kenny Goss eventually split romantically, they remained good friends, and both contributed much to the artistic culture of Dallas with the Goss-Michael Foundation. The gallery/museum/charity is a jewel of the North Texas art scene, with an impressive collection of works from many contemporary English artists, chief among them the bad boy of British modernism Damien Hirst.

So when we learned this week that Hirst had created a one-of-a-kind painting of George Michael, specifically to be auctioned off at the MTV RE: DEFINE fundraiser this weekend, we asked Kenny Goss to share his thoughts on the piece, the charity and George himself.

— Arnold Wayne Jones

Dallas Voice: When did you know Damien Hirst was doing this piece, and what you were going to do with it? Kenny Goss: We knew about it a month or so ago. Damien shared with us that he was creating this especially for 2017 MTV RE: DEFINE. Damien has generously donated a number of pieces to the MTV RE: DEFINE auction over the years. Since this year is a tribute to George, he decided to create a one-of-a-kind piece honoring George.

What does MTV RE: DEFINE mean to you? It means a lot in many ways. The Goss-Michael Foundation is the founding partner and both George and I have provided ongoing support to the event since its founding. George presented Staying Alive’s first-ever documentary on HIV/AIDS for MTV in 1998 and was a driving force behind MTV RE: DEFINE’s formation more than 10 years later. The event was founded here in Dallas and The Goss-Michael Foundation is proud to have helped make the event possible.

Read more: http://www.dallasvoice.com/one-more-try-10234286.html

[MarianJack]

1. My wife and I have been playing our "Eli Stone" DVDs recently.

I can't help but feel a great sadness when seeing the few episodes where he made guest appearances.

PEACE!