Muhammad Ali

As January reared its ugly head with impractical New Year resolutions and post-festivity blues, we were all in need of a pick-me-up, and what better way to do so than see in the birthday of one of the most celebrated and acclaimed sporting heroes of all time, Muhammad Ali. This year the self proclaimed ‘king’ reached his 70^th birthday, a milestone that, as ever in American style, was nothing short of spectacular.

The Kentucky born boxer, known originally as Cassius Clay, began his passion for the sport when as a young boy his bike was stolen. Finding a near by police officer he swore to ‘whup’ whoever had taken it, only to be told, ‘you better learn to box first.’ The legacy that followed has been documented in books, films and art ever since; the history of not only a celebrated sportsman, but a cultural icon and activist.

Here in Manchester, the Generation Pop Art Gallery played host to the official Muhammad Ali fine art collection to celebrate the momentous occasion. Beginning on 17^th January and closing on 7^th February, the exhibition located on New York Street attracted varied clientele from avid boxing fans to esteemed art critics. With pieces from famous British artist Paul Oz providing spine-tingling dimension using oil paint, and American Joe Petruccio’s unique pop-art perspective, the gallery demonstrated Ali’s iconic history through the original and acclaimed works of artists from around the world. Other extraordinary pieces included those of British painter Paul Moyse, which represented intricate detail within his work and those studio pieces such as the famous ‘first minute first round’ photograph. The gallery renowned for its unique and official authorised exhibitions stated the event to be a huge success with many original pieces selling at a very generous price.

The hysteria that surrounded the world heavyweight champion was not always perhaps to do with his exploits in the ring, but his role within history as a self-believer, an activist and as an inspiration to many. He refused to be discriminated by his race or for his religious beliefs, and became renowned for his self-confidence. This is perhaps what ultimately makes this occasion so momentous; anyone who knows the name Muhammad Ali understands the history that surrounds the legend, and this exhibit is a perfect demonstration of that.