The National Portrait Gallery’s eagerly awaited exhibition, “Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait,” marks the centenary of the enigmatic star’s birth. While the showcase is visually arresting, it ultimately raises more questions than it answers about one of the most photographed and misunderstood figures in history. The exhibition, which runs from 4 June to 6 September, seeks to reclaim Monroe’s narrative, yet it often falls into the very traps it aims to transcend.
Unpacking the Icon
The exhibition opens with striking photographs that capture Monroe’s early years, including a captivating image of the 19-year-old actress climbing a rocky cliff in Death Valley, California. This photograph, taken by André de Dienes, presents Monroe with her natural brown hair and unaltered features, a stark reminder of the woman before the world imposed its countless interpretations upon her. The caption reads like a metaphor: “Marilyn Monroe, Death Valley.” The symbolism is palpable—here is a woman confronting the very essence of life and death, embodying both beauty and peril.
However, as the exhibition unfolds, it becomes apparent that Monroe’s life has been simplified into a series of narratives that often overlook the complexities of her existence. The journey from Norma Jeane Mortensen to the iconic Marilyn Monroe reflects a relentless quest for identity, yet each metamorphosis seems to have left her more vulnerable than before. The gallery invites visitors to explore her relationships and struggles, but one cannot help but feel that the portrayal remains somewhat superficial, reduced to the whims of pop psychology.
The Missing Context
In an exhibition that claims to reframe Monroe as the author of her own story, the absence of male figures from pivotal moments of her life is conspicuous. Notably, there is little mention of her tumultuous marriage to Joe DiMaggio or the controversial affair with John F. Kennedy, both of which cast long shadows over her final years. Instead, the focus shifts towards her posthumous influence on artists, with an entire room dedicated to works inspired by her. While the artistic tributes are undoubtedly impressive, they risk overshadowing the real woman who battled against the constraints of fame.
The exhibition attempts to showcase the various photographers who documented Monroe’s life, from Cecil Beaton’s glamorous portraits to Eve Arnold’s candid shots that expose a more vulnerable side of the star. Yet, even in these seemingly honest moments, the authenticity of the images is called into question. Monroe meticulously curated her public persona, often rejecting photographs that did not align with her self-image. This ongoing act of self-editing complicates the narrative of “honesty” that the exhibition seeks to promote.
The Performance of Reality
Throughout the exhibition, it becomes evident that the photographs on display are not merely windows into Monroe’s life; they are performances in their own right. The curator’s captions transform familiar images, revealing the layered meanings behind them. For example, photographs of Monroe in character—dressed as a French peasant or a London girl—highlight her ability to embody various roles, yet they also raise questions about the authenticity of her identity. It begs the question: can we ever truly know the woman behind the façade?
The paradox of “Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait” is that while it endeavours to present a multi-dimensional view of the star, it inadvertently reinforces the very myth-making it seeks to challenge. The exhibition serves as a reminder that Monroe’s life and legacy have become a canvas upon which society continues to project its fantasies—whether of glamour, tragedy, or empowerment.
Why it Matters
In an era where the narratives of women are often shaped and reshaped, the attempt to reclaim Marilyn Monroe’s story is both crucial and fraught with challenges. This exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery highlights the complexities of celebrity culture and the struggle for authenticity in a world that often prefers myth over reality. As we navigate the layers of Monroe’s life, we are compelled to confront not just her story, but our own fascination with the elusive nature of identity and the narratives we construct around it. Ultimately, the exhibition serves as a poignant reminder that the pursuit of truth is often more convoluted than it appears, leaving us to ponder the true essence of this legendary figure.
