"David LaChapelle: As the World Turns" at Orlando Museum of Art

The Orlando Museum of Art is proud to announce David LaChapelle: As the World Turns, the largest U.S. museum retrospective of the visionary photographer and director, opening January 31, 2026. 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 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.

“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,” LaChapelle said. “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.

David LaChapelle: As the World Turns
January 31 - May 3, 2026

2416 N Mills Ave
Orlando, FL 32803

Read more about the exhibition here.