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National Portrait Gallery Reclaims Monroe's Story
3 Jun
Summary
- Exhibition explores Monroe's curated image and personal narratives.
- Focuses on her agency in shaping her life story.
- Includes early photos and artistic interpretations post-mortem.
The National Portrait Gallery's exhibition, 'Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait,' offers a new perspective on the iconic actress, examining how her life was easily framed by personal narratives and pop psychology. The exhibition showcases early photographs, including those from 1945 by André de Dienes, and personal items like letters to her third husband Arthur Miller's father.
While the exhibition aims to give Monroe agency and reframe her as the architect of her own life, it also acknowledges the enduring debate surrounding her death. It largely avoids discussing men in her life and controversial affairs, focusing instead on her relationships with photographers and her deliberate cultivation of her image.
Displayed works include Andy Warhol's prints and Pauline Boty's paintings, with images by Cecil Beaton, Sam Shaw, and Eve Arnold also featured. Monroe actively studied her contact sheets, vetoing images she disliked and selecting her favorites, a practice unusual for her time. This exhibition runs from June 4 to September 6.
