‘The original triple threat’: two exhibitions celebrate Marilyn Monroe as creative pioneer
BFI and National Portrait Gallery to mark centenary of the film star’s birth with ‘the summer of Marilyn’ Though often reduced to a sex symbol frozen in time, or a tragic figure at the centre of several scandals, Marilyn Monroe was something far more subversive, according to two exhibitions that will herald what has been nicknamed “the summer of Marilyn”. To mark the centenary of her birth, Monroe is being celebrated by leading British cultural institutions as a performer of sharp comic intelligence, a canny architect of her own image, and a woman who reshaped the possibilities for female stardom on screen. Continue reading...
In the summer of 2022, London will be the epicenter of a cultural celebration honoring Marilyn Monroe, the legendary film star whose centenary birth is being marked with two groundbreaking exhibitions. The British Film Institute (BFI) and the National Portrait Gallery have joined forces to curate a series of events collectively known as “the summer of Marilyn.” These exhibitions aim to redefine Monroe’s legacy, presenting her not just as the iconic sex symbol or tragic figure often associated with her, but as a multifaceted creative force who redefined female stardom on screen.
The BFI’s exhibition, titled “Marilyn Monroe: The Original Triple Threat,” will explore Monroe’s extraordinary talent as an actress, singer, and dancer. By showcasing her diverse range of skills, the exhibition seeks to highlight the depth of her artistry, which was often overshadowed by her public persona. Visitors will be treated to rare archival footage, including previously unseen outtakes and rehearsals, as well as personal items and costumes from her film career. The BFI’s curators emphasize Monroe’s ability to deliver sharp comic timing and emotional depth, qualities that set her apart from her contemporaries.
Simultaneously, the National Portrait Gallery will host an exhibition titled “Marilyn Monroe: The Art of Image and Identity.” This exhibition will delve into Monroe’s strategic self-creation and her role as a trailblazer for female celebrities. Through a curated selection of photographs, letters, and memorabilia, the exhibition will examine how Monroe meticulously crafted her public image, balancing vulnerability with power. The National Portrait Gallery’s curators argue that Monroe’s ability to manipulate her public persona was a form of subversion, challenging the rigid expectations of women in the entertainment industry at the time.
Both exhibitions will be intertwined, with screenings at the BFI’s Southbank Centre and the National Portrait Gallery’s exhibits providing a comprehensive view of Monroe’s impact on cinema and popular culture. The “summer of Marilyn” will also include live performances, talks, and workshops, further exploring Monroe’s influence on contemporary artists and performers.
Monroe’s career was marked by a series of highs and lows, from her breakthrough role in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” to her tumultuous personal life and tragic death in 1962. However, these exhibitions argue that her true legacy lies in her ability to transcend the limitations placed upon her. By reclaiming Monroe as a creative pioneer, these cultural institutions hope to inspire a new generation of artists and thinkers to embrace their multifaceted identities and challenge societal norms.
The “summer of Marilyn” is not just a tribute to Monroe’s talent and charisma, but a celebration of her enduring relevance as a symbol of resilience and subversion. As London’s cultural institutions come together to reimagine Monroe’s legacy, they are offering audiences a fresh perspective on an icon whose influence continues to resonate decades after her death. For those who have long admired Monroe, these exhibitions offer a chance to rediscover the woman behind the myth. For others, it serves as a reminder of the power of creativity and self-invention in the face of adversity.
In the summer of 2022, as the BFI and National Portrait Gallery host these two exhibitions, Marilyn Monroe will be reborn not as a relic of the past, but as a creative force whose impact on cinema and popular culture remains unparalleled. Through these events, Monroe’s legacy will be redefined, and her status as the “original triple threat” will be affirmed, inspiring a new generation to embrace their own unique talents and challenge the boundaries of what is possible.
