Channeling Marilyn Monroe's Endearing Charm

Juxtaposed with the challenges she faced in her era, the lips symbolise both the men who aimed their kisses at her and the kisses she blew, totalling 36, marking her age at her untimely departure. Reminding us as women, amidst our differences we relate despite our unique paths. 

Concept

  • Lips

    The "pinned" lips on the canvas draws inspiration from the childhood game "pin the donkey tail," symbolising her sweet, damsel-in-distress charm pursued by many, much like the attempts to pin a tail on the donkey. This idea also reflects her playful allure and the pin-up girl aesthetics that was captured and desired.

  • Offset

    The intentional offset border instills discomfort, comparable to the feeling of exploitation. The flowers and mosaic backdrop are facets of my artistic identity as well as drawn from her delicate femininity. They serve as a bridge to understanding, reminding us, as women, of our shared experiences amidst our differences. Mirroring how we, as women, can relate to one another despite our unique paths. The gilded accents pay homage to her iconic song, "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," and the dazzling glamour that surrounded her.

Painting of the Year 2023

I entered this piece into the Painting of the Year 2023 competition, a unique annual painting competition for artists from all over the world. Even though I didn't place anywhere in the competition, I received lovely feedback from the professional jury who evaluates all entries:

36 Kisses Painting a celebrity is a bold choice. The artist has done an excellent job of portraying Marilyn's theme in a completely unique way with an original angle. All those lips is really a very original angle. She seems to be framed in lines running tightly through the surface. Almost antithetical to the liveliness of the model. This is painted with such care. Wonderful are the colours in her skin. The hair like a halo around her, vibrant and luminous. The background is divided and coloured in many planes. It contrasts beautifully with the softness of the hair. This portrait is worked through and pleasant to look at because of the subdued colours.

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The Making of 36 Kisses