FLAUNT - The Generation Issue

ART
MARILYN:
An American Icon
WRITTEN BY MORGAN MCCARTY
Marilyn Monroe was an American star, but her charm
has captured the world’s fascination with magnetic
appeal. “Marilyn: Celebrating an American Icon”, is an
internationally traveling exhibition featuring dozens of
works owned by private collectors in Europe, Sotheby’s
archives, European art galleries and the estates of artists
who interpreted the muse that was “Marilyn.” Presented in
a variety of media including videos, photos and paintings,
the exhibition captures Marilyn’s personage behind the
scenes and in the spotlight. The exhibit includes more
than 50 artists’ works, in styles ranging from Alfred
Eisenstaedt’s photography to Andy Warhol’s Pop art.
It comes to no surprise that retrospectives such as this have
featured Marilyn as their subject of interest. It has been
nearly 50 years since her mysterious, and untimely death.
But look around: Her legend lives on, and more dazzlingly
than ever. The 1950’s bombshell has developed into a 21stcentury
pop culture phenomenon, and in such a fashion
that Marilyn certainly would have appreciated. Helen of
Troy may have been the face that launched a thousand
ships, however when it comes to moving merchandise,
nobody can equate to the face of Marilyn Monroe. Those
platinum locks, the bright red lips, and that enviable
curvy figure have become a recognizable brand image
Dolce & Gabbana has captured Scarlett Johansson as
the cultural icon within their advertising campaigns.
and powerful marketing tool for artists and advertisers.
Marilyn via CGI within Dior ads. Magazine spreads have
continuously featured celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan,
Nicole Kidman, and even Rihanna having a “Marilyn
moment,” on their covers. Commercial ventures for Marilyn
inspired product lines within Mac Cosmetics, Nova Wines
Inc., Betsey Johnson, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Dolce &
Gabbana have also been in the works ranging from tote
bags, and Monroe-motif dresses to Monroe themed wines
and postage stamps. Musicians such as Elton John have also
paid their homage to the icon through songs like “Candle
in the Wind.” Contemporary artist, Seward Johnson, has
even immortalized Marilyn through a 26-foot-tall sculpture
depicting Monroe’s iconic subway grate pose from “The
Seven Year Itch” located in Palm Springs, California.
Marilyn’s infamy was amplified posthumously. But before
she became an established icon, she played the role
of “the muse.” At the height of her acting career, she
captured the world’s fascination through her noteworthy
roles on the big screen. Her comedic charm stood out as
the gold digging Lorelei Lee who sang “Diamonds Are
a Girl’s Best Friend,” in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” She
played the sultry but senseless blonde in “The Seven
Year Itch.” In “Some Like it Hot,” she displayed her vocal
talents as the sexy band singer. Her luminosity transcended
off the big screen into the hearts of the world’s most
famous artists, musicians, and members of high society.
CONTINUED ON PG. 61
We have also seen Charlize Theron meeting up with
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