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Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) to host the largest U.S. museum retrospective of David LaChapelle

Alastair Mac
17 minutes ago
4 min read

David LaChapelle: As the World Turns will feature the internationally acclaimed photographer’s contemporary classic works and premiere creations, celebrating four decades at the intersection of art, pop culture and spirituality

Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) to host the largest U.S. museum retrospective of David LaChapelle

The Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) is about to become the epicenter of contemporary art, announcing that the largest U.S. museum retrospective of legendary photographer and director David LaChapelle is coming to the museum.

Pretty soon, Central Floridians need not travel to New York or LA to view work from such an influential artist – as David LaChapelle: As the World Turns opens January 31, 2026 at OMA.

Presented by Stan and Naomi Loomis and curated by OMA chief curator Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon, As the World Turns offers a sweeping journey through LaChapelle’s visual universe – from early religious figurative works, fashion editorials and celebrity portraiture to allegorical compositions exploring spirituality, environmental fragility, and transcendence.

The exhibition brings together more than 100 works – from early career milestones to premiere creations – tracing LaChapelle’s ever-evolving exploration of fame, faith, beauty and the human condition.

LaChapelle’s career began in New York City during the 1980s, a period shaped by creativity, excess and loss. Following his first gallery exhibition, he was hired by Andy Warhol to shoot for Interview Magazine, launching a career that would redefine the relationship between art, photography and popular culture. In the decades since, LaChapelle has become one of the most published photographers in the world, with an anthology of books including LaChapelle Land (1996), Hotel LaChapelle (1999), Heaven to Hell (2006), Lost & Found (2017), and Good News (2024).

LaChapelle has photographed some of the most recognizable figures in film, music, art, politics and sports, including Amy Winehouse, David Beckham, David Bowie, Elton John, Hillary Clinton, Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Miley Cyrus, Muhammad Ali, Pamela Anderson, Stevie Nicks and Tupac Shakur, among many others.

In addition to major photographic works, the exhibition will feature the world premiere of a monumental new creation that draws inspiration from classical fresco techniques and grand historical compositions. This expansive piece, made possible by Deodato Arte, Italy, channels LaChapelle’s fascination with scale, drama and the sublime, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience a creation that has never before been displayed publicly.

LaChapelle expresed his thoughts on the news, "This exhibition at OMA is very special to me because I am revealing many new pieces that required me to use all of the experiences from my life to make. I have felt a great freedom in my work through recent years – as I continue to play with themes of popular culture while also returning to the narratives that offer a reflection of the spiritual world and metaphysical ideas."

He went on to say, “In a way, this is like a group show because Coralie's curation creates an experience where all of the different stages and sides of my work can be seen and felt.”

In addition to photographs and premiere works, the exhibition will include hand-painted negatives, film-based media, and behind-the-scenes footage revealing the artist’s meticulous creative process.

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In addition to photographs and premiere works, the exhibition will include hand-painted negatives, film-based media, and behind-the-scenes footage revealing the artist’s meticulous creative process.

OMA’s permanent collection of American and international contemporary art – with works exploring themes of beauty, spirituality and the human experience – provides the perfect context for this exhibition. "OMA’s mission has always been to present diverse and world-class programming, and this exhibition is a perfect example of our commitment to bringing groundbreaking cultural experiences to Central Florida,” Cathryn Mattson, CEO of OMA, said. “We hope this exhibition sparks conversation and inspiration across our community.”

The opening reception on January 30, 2026, will be an unforgettable, high-fashion event with a red carpet entrance, VIP experience, music, and lite bites. Guests will enjoy an exclusive advance viewing of the exhibition. Tickets for the reception will go on sale December 6.

To complement David LaChapelle: As The World Turns, OMA will offer a series of engaging programs, including a live model drawing class, fashion photography workshops and an artist lecture/book signing with LaChapelle himself.

David LaChapelle: As The World Turns will be on view at OMA from January 31, 2026, to May 3, 2026.

For more information about OMA's exhibitions and programs, please visit www.omart.org.

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