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Revisiting An Icon – Marilyn Leaving in Pink
One of the first artists to investigate the modern culture of celebrity, James Francis Gill shot to fame with his pop artworks in the 1960s, becoming an almost overnight success.
Originally featured in his 1960's Women in Cars collection, 'Marilyn Leaving' was inspired by a series of black and white photographs Gill had seen in magazines of Marilyn Monroe leaving a car outside her home in Hollywood.
But Gill's art could offer something the magazines couldn't - colour - and when the original pieces began appearing in galleries, they were the epitome of cool modernity, giving the public a chance to see celebrity in a new light.
Some 60 years on, at the age of 90, 'Marilyn Leaving in Pink' sees Gill recreate one of his most acclaimed artworks with a modern vibrancy yet timeless presence. Created using a hand-pulled silkscreen method to accurately capture colours and details, it remains true to its firmly grounded pop art roots and the major themes of his life's work.
Cultural commentary
Gill was one of the first artists to paint Marilyn Monroe, depicting the story of her life in his iconic 'Marilyn Triptych' shortly after her death. Following the success of his triptych, which remains part of the Museum of Modern Art's (New York) permanent collection, Gill became drawn to Marilyn Monroe as a prevalent theme in his work.
'Marilyn Leaving' is central to an idea that was ahead of its time, anticipating the omnipresence of celebrity culture, image sharing and struggle to protect one's privacy.
The interior of the car is a cocoon of safety and security where Marilyn can be Norma Jeane. The moment she leaves the car, she steps into her celebrity identity. Who can see me? How do I appear? Am I being the person they want me to be?
Capturing this moment in the form of art, Gill exposes what the paparazzi couldn't, a sensitive, reflective understanding of the figure 'behind' the camera.
Gill's fascination with this subject would later become all the more poignant in 1972 with his choice to step away from the limelight, and retreat into self-imposed exile at the height of his career, owing to the pressures and lifestyle of his own celebrity status.
Marilyn Leaving in Pink £1,400
A Hand-signed Silkscreen on Paper Limited Edition by James Francis Gill.
As one of the last living pioneers of the pop art movement, James Francis Gill adds a contemporary twist to one of his most celebrated works.
Originally featured in his 1960's Women in Cars collection, 'Marilyn Leaving' was inspired by a series of black and white photographs Gill had seen in magazines of Marilyn Monroe leaving a car outside her home in Hollywood.
Some 60 years on, at the age of 90, 'Marilyn Leaving in Pink' sees Gill recreate one of his most acclaimed artworks with a modern vibrancy yet timeless presence. Created using a hand-pulled silkscreen method to accurately capture colours and details, it remains true to its firmly grounded pop art roots and the major themes of his life's work.
The artwork is central to an idea that was ahead of its time, anticipating the omnipresence of celebrity culture, image sharing and struggle to protect one's privacy. The interior of the car is a cocoon of safety and security where Marilyn can be Norma Jeane. The moment she leaves the car, she steps into her celebrity identity.
Capturing this moment in the form of art, Gill exposes what the paparazzi couldn't, a sensitive, reflective understanding of the figure 'behind' the camera.
Castle Fine Art
8-10, The Exchange
Nottingham
NG1 2DD
T: 0115 958 3883
nottingham@castlefineart.com
www.castlefineart.com
