David LaChapelle Retrospective Debuts at Orlando Museum of Art

Largest exhibition of the photographer's work features 40-year career spanning celebrity portraits, religious imagery, and reimagined masterpieces.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Orlando Museum of Art has debuted a new exhibit titled 'David LaChapelle: As the World Turns,' which showcases the work of the renowned photographer over the past 40 years. The retrospective features LaChapelle's iconic celebrity portraits as well as his religious-themed photography and recreations of famous paintings using modern motifs and models.

Why it matters

This exhibition provides a comprehensive look at LaChapelle's diverse body of work, which is known for its unique blend of social commentary, religious symbolism, and artistic flair. The show highlights the photographer's technical mastery and creative vision, which have made him one of the most sought-after image-makers in the industry.

The details

The exhibit includes LaChapelle's photographs of celebrities such as Amy Winehouse, David Beckham, Elton John, and Michael Jackson, as well as his 'Jesus is My Homeboy' series, which reimagines Leonardo da Vinci's 'Last Supper.' Additionally, the show features LaChapelle's recreations of renowned works by artists like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Andy Warhol. Each photograph is the result of painstaking set design, elaborate lighting, and real people posing in elaborate costumes and makeup.

  • The 'David LaChapelle: As the World Turns' exhibition is on view at the Orlando Museum of Art until May 3, 2026.
  • The exhibit debuted on February 16, 2026.

The players

David LaChapelle

An American photographer known for his unique and visually striking images of celebrities, religious themes, and reimagined masterpieces.

Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon

The chief curator at the Orlando Museum of Art, who has long been a fan of LaChapelle's work and helped bring the retrospective to the museum.

Cathryn Mattson

The executive director and CEO of the Orlando Museum of Art, who expressed her admiration for the 'genuineness' in LaChapelle's work.

Megan Thee Stallion

The singer and songwriter who posed as Delacroix's 'Liberty Leading the People' for one of the photographs in the exhibition.

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What they’re saying

“He wants to bring beauty into this world, because he says there's enough darkness. But, you see concerns or messages in some images.”

— Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon, Chief Curator, Orlando Museum of Art

“David loves sharing the details [on how he works]. He likes talking about the mechanics … and the creative problem solving. That's very important when looking at his work — I think you have an artist who had a vision and magically makes it happen.”

— Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon, Chief Curator, Orlando Museum of Art

What’s next

The 'David LaChapelle: As the World Turns' exhibition at the Orlando Museum of Art will be on view until May 3, 2026.

The takeaway

This retrospective showcases the depth and diversity of David LaChapelle's work, highlighting his technical mastery, creative vision, and ability to blend social commentary, religious symbolism, and artistic flair in his photography. The exhibition provides a comprehensive look at the renowned photographer's 40-year career and solidifies his status as one of the most innovative and influential image-makers of our time.