Marilyn Monroe: The Many Faces of a Hollywood Icon

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This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.

“Give a girl the right pair of shoes and she can conquer the world” More than 60 years have passed since the death of Marilyn Monroe and yet her presence, as well as her influence, is more alive than ever. Marilyn’s short lived career began in 1948 with minor acting roles that eventually led to her role in “All About Eve” in 1950 which caused her career to skyrocket. Marilyn’s career spanned a total of 16 years, making a total 33 films. She represented a major inspiration in the up and coming sexual revolution through her depiction as the ultimate sex symbol. One of the most photographed women in U.S history, Marilyn developed a trademark look from platinum blond curls to bright red lips and became a muse for photographers and artists who immortalized her through their artwork which is showcased in this exhibition.

Alfred Eisenstaedt, 1953, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection

These photographs, shot at Marilyn Monroe’s home in Hollywood were taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt in 1953. Eisenstaedt, who is known for the famous photograph entitled “V-J Day in Times Square” worked as a photographer for LIFE magazine and was asked to photograph the up and coming actress. The images that he captured remain among the warmest and most intimate photos of Marilyn.

Marilyn Monroe, Edward Clark, 1950-08-08, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection

A previously unpublished photo of the then unknown actress, this photo depicts Marilyn reading. Although Marilyn was often perceived as the "dumb blonde", she had over 200 books in her own personal library and loved to read. The photographer Ed Clark claimed that the photos were "overdeveloped" and "poorly printed" and decided not to print them until Time Magazine released the photos on what would have been the actress' 83rd birthday (2009).

Marilyn Monroe in the Night Sky, Kang, Hyung Koo, 2010, From the collection of: Korean Art Museum Association

This piece by Hyung Koo Kang is a portrait of Marilyn Monroe created using aluminum and oil paint. Through Kang’s unique style of illustration, new characters are born from familiar icons deeply imprinted on our minds. Kang provides a vivid and dedicated interpretation of each facial element and in so doing, bestows life to his subject so that they appear to be living, breathing individuals.

Old Monroe, Kang, Hyung Koo, 2000, From the collection of: Korean Art Museum Association

Another piece of artwork by Kang depicts a very different version of Marilyn Monroe that no one had ever seen or imagined. In a sense, the painting goes beyond the familiar depictions of Marilyn and humanizes her by pushing past her classic beauty and envisioning a much more haunting illustration of the famous icon.

Marilyn, Soto González, Cacheila, 2004, From the collection of: Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico

In this painting, the artist uses bright colors to showcase the personality and vibrant nature of the actress. Her signature flowy dress is shown in the painting as well the red lipstick that embodies Marilyn’s sex appeal and encapsulates a fun and flirty disposition.

Marilyn Monroe, Edward Clark, 1950, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection

Another photograph by Edward Clark depicting a more sultry Monroe. The photo encompasses her sex symbol status that was prevalent during the 1950s.

32c Marilyn Monroe stamp, United States Postal Service, 1995-06-01, From the collection of: Smithsonian's National Postal Museum

In 1995, the United States Postal Service honoured Marilyn Monroe with a 32 cent commemorative postage stamp which was issued as part of the popular "Legends of Hollywood" stamp series. Over the years, many other countries have followed suit and issued postage stamps to honour her legacy.

Edward Clark, 1953-05-25, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection

On April 7th, 1952, Marilyn Monroe made her debut on the cover of LIFE Magazine which became one of the most famous and collectible covers in their magazines history. Over the years, Monroe made a total of six appearances on the cover but was not necessarily featured in the magazine. This cover shot was taken for the May 25th, 1953 edition of the magazine which depicts Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russel promoting their film “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”.

Art: Andy Warhol, Henry Groskinsky, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection

The Marilyn canvases were early examples of Warhol’s use of silkscreen printing and became one of his most famous pieces of artwork. Warhol recounts his decision to create the 'Marilyn Diptych' by stating that, "When Marilyn Monroe happened to die that month, I got the idea to make screens of her beautiful face, the first Marilyns." Warhol's piece cemented Marilyn Monroe as a pop culture icon, continuing her legacy.

Sliced Images 'Marilyn Monroe', Park, Chan Girl, 2011, From the collection of: Korean Art Museum Association

This metal sculpture was designed by the Korean artist Park Chan. The artist constructs metal sculptures from thin metal layers or “sliced images”. He pieces these layers together using three dimensional topography charts which are then fused together with a bendable cover. All of which allows for the movement and shaping of the sculpture. This techniques allows the artist to capture the movement of her skirt, which is depicted in the iconic scene from “The Seven Year Itch”.

Credits: All media

This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.

Korean Art Museum Association

Smithsonian's National Postal Museum

Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico

LIFE Photo Collection