The 7th Illustration in the Michael Jackson Series
Title: “Whatever Happens”
Illustration by Donna Massa 2011
This Illustration was created purely from my imagination and my heart. The song “Whatever Happens” is entirely moving and emotional for me, and from the moment I heard it, I knew it had to be illustrated. The Spanish rhythm, Carlos Santana’s signature lead guitar and style, beautiful lyrics, and Michael’s voice were the scene that literally set the stage. Michael is portrayed as the entertainer as he stands center stage, He is dressed as a Spaniard with a black custom dress shirt and black fitted pants. His long black hair is severely pulled back. He wears a plain black leather dress belt with a secondary Spanish sterling silver belt ornate with embossed silver studs hanging to one side. He reaches out with his right hand in a dance of intertwined unity, while his left arm pulls toward the back, his hand expressing dramatic need. His stunning profile, sincere glare in his eyes, and intense expression speak for themselves as he sings from his heart. The principle dancer, standing to Michael’s right, is his Spanish Senorita, who is portrayed by Miss Joan Sevigny. She is in a traditional Spanish Flamenco dress. She wears a black- and-white embroidered lace vest bodice with a black silk fringe. Her dress is fuchsia pink in Regal satin, with the the same pattern of the black lace border around the entire hemline of the skirt. Satin petite buttons streamline down the entire back of her dress. She wears a purple satin asymmetrically draped, overlay, ruffled flounce that she dramatically swishes with her right hand as she moves and joins in the dance of their hands. Their hair intertwines like a fragile rope with a cloud of maize yellow, that symbolizes the endless devotion and blissful joy they share with each other. On the far left, the great Carlos Santana traditionally sits and plays his enchanting guitar, accompanying the dance between these two kindred souls.
This piece is illustrated from the front and Michael’s back I felt would be a more compelling view for the audience. I also chose to identify each character with his and her own individual spotlight and hue. The individual hues highlight the unique identity of each character as the spotlight matches the true colors of their emotional presence on stage. It is also important to point out that this is a story about two lovers who’s enduring love is compromised and complicated. It is symbolic of the very dance that Michael so often spoke about in his songwriting of forbidden love and the difficulties of finding true everlasting unconditional love throughout his career.
In this particular dance Michael repeatedly had only one request:
“Don’t let go of my hand…”
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