Painter Immortalises John Lennon’s Tragic Death through Artwork
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Renowned artist Robert Morgan, known for his captivating artwork, was a firsthand witness to one of the most tragic moments in music history—the untimely death of legendary musician John Lennon. This event profoundly impacted Morgan, leading him to channel the heart-wrenching incident into a powerful piece of art.
On the fateful night of December 8, 1980, while many Americans learned of Lennon’s assassination through a broadcast by sportscaster Howard Cosell, Morgan had a more immediate and chilling experience. From his apartment on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, he heard the fatal gunshots that ended Lennon’s life, prompting him to rush to his window to witness the aftermath.
In a new documentary titled ‘Borrowed Time: Lennon’s Last Decade’, directed by Alan G. Parker and set to premiere on May 2, Morgan recounts the events of that tragic evening. The film delves into Lennon’s final months, his return to the music scene, and the making of his comeback album, ‘Double Fantasy’. Through interviews and insights, the documentary provides a glimpse into the life of the iconic musician as he prepared for a world tour—a future that was abruptly cut short.
Living in an apartment directly opposite Lennon’s residence at The Dakota, Morgan had a personal connection to the rock legend. He vividly recalls the commotion outside, mistaking the gunshots for a car crash before realising the grim reality unfolding before him. As he gazed down at the scene from his twelfth-floor vantage point, Morgan made a conscious decision not to capture the moment through his camera lens but instead chose to immortalise it through his artistic abilities.
Preferring to preserve Lennon’s dignity and privacy in his final moments, Morgan translated the harrowing scene into a poignant oil painting. This artwork, measuring 12×16 inches, depicts the haunting image of Lennon being rushed to Roosevelt Hospital, captured by Morgan’s keen eye for detail and emotion.
As Lennon was transported to the hospital, fighting for his life, Morgan encapsulated the gravity of the situation within his painting—the police directing traffic, the urgency of the moment, and the impending tragedy. Despite the artist’s restraint in taking a photograph, a morbid image of Lennon in a body bag surfaced, highlighting the sensationalism that often surrounds such tragedies.
Even decades later, Morgan’s artwork stands as a poignant tribute to the night Lennon’s music fell silent. The artist, now based in Venice, continues to create evocative pieces, but none as hauntingly powerful as his portrayal of that cold December night when he bore witness to a historic tragedy from his own window.
In ‘Borrowed Time’, Morgan poignantly questions the senselessness of Lennon’s untimely death, echoing the sentiments of many who mourned the loss of a musical icon. Through his art, he ensures that the memory of that tragic night lives on, immortalised in a chilling yet poignant tribute to a moment that changed the course of music history forever.
This captivating story of art born from tragedy serves as a reminder of the enduring impact that artists like Robert Morgan can have in immortalising poignant moments in history. Lennon’s memory lives on not only through his music but also through the artistic vision and emotional depth captured in Morgan’s powerful artwork.