American Jesus

Alright, so Saturday... well, it was pretty laid back, as most weekends ought to be.  We slept in, had a delicious brunch all thanks to my in-house chef *the hubster* and then we were off to enjoy the crisp sunny Autumn day.
Near our flat there is a pretty open and empty-looking art gallery sponsored by the Sebastian Guinness Gallery of Temple Bar.  I assume that this latter is somehow related to Arthur Guinness, the mastermind behind that oh so very popular stout drink.
Anyway, we decided to check this gallery near our flat to see what's on now.

American Jesus by David LaChapelle

The work was thought provoking --- worth mentioning are "The Pieta" with Courtney Love and "Archangel Michael" with Michael Jackson.
These two pieces really made me wonder what inspired their composition:

For "The Pieta", it almost looks as if Ms. Love were either seeking redemption for Kurt's death *the Jesus in this piece looks way too much like Kurt to make you think otherwise* or she's just been the good and solemn widow from the get go.  There are people with theories of her involvement in Kurt's death.  This piece, definitely makes you ponder some thoughts...

What intrigues me about "Archangel Michael" is not only the image itself, but the timing.  Mr. Jackson is portrayed as an archangel triumphant over the devil.  There's a snake wrapped around the devil's leg as well.  I assume that those who know better than me about religious emblems and what not, can tell us their interpretation.  For what I have understood in the past, the snake symbolizes Mary (as in The Virgin) and it can also symbolize the devil him/herself. So, was Michael portrayed as an archangel before or after his death earlier this year?
Is this Archangel ridding us of two evils? Both Good and Bad?  What would you see?

No matter what your level of expertise - mine is non-existent - I seriously recommend you give this exhibit a close look when it finds you in your neck of the woods!

I was very impressed. Thank you Mr. LaChapelle!!!

Here are some shots I took while at the exhibit:

More later.