The National Portrait Gallery in London is hosting an exhibition that delves into Marilyn Monroe’s influence over her own image. The exhibition features a collection of portraits that span her career, from her early days as Norma Jeane to her last photoshoot on Santa Monica beach.
Monroe’s Agency in Image-Making
Monroe, often seen as a Hollywood icon, had significant control over her still images, a contrast to her film roles largely dictated by studios. The exhibition includes a notable photograph taken by American photojournalist Eve Arnold in 1955, showing Monroe reading James Joyce’s ‘Ulysses’ in Long Island, New York. This image portrays a different side of Monroe, highlighting her as an avid reader with a personal library of over 400 books.
Michael Arnold, grandson of the photographer, confirmed that the book was not a prop, emphasizing Monroe’s genuine interest in literature. The photograph captures Monroe near the end of ‘Ulysses,’ where the character Molly Bloom explores themes of female sexuality. This choice of reading material suggests Monroe’s awareness and intention in controlling her public image.
Collaboration with Eve Arnold
Monroe’s collaboration with Eve Arnold was pivotal in her effort to transition from a sex symbol to a serious artist. Arnold’s naturalistic style, which avoided studio setups, allowed Monroe to present herself authentically. Their partnership began after Monroe admired Arnold’s work with Marlene Dietrich, leading to several photoshoots over a decade.
Despite initial reluctance, Arnold was drawn to Monroe’s magnetic personality. Their professional relationship developed into a personal bond, with Monroe viewing Arnold as a mother figure. This connection is evident in the candid and natural photographs that emerged from their collaboration.
After Monroe’s death, Arnold chose to embargo many of her photographs to protect Monroe’s image from exploitation. It wasn’t until 1987 that Arnold published these images in a book, offering a more nuanced view of Monroe’s life and legacy.
The exhibition invites viewers to look beyond Monroe’s public persona and appreciate the complexity of her character, as captured through Arnold’s lens.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
