I went down to see Russell Young’s Superstar exhibition at the Halcyon Gallery on the final day of viewing and delighted I made it, for I am a big Marilyn Monroe fan and have been since childhood. This exhibition didn’t disappoint in the slightest.
This is York-born Russell’s debut solo exhibition, who is best known for the exploration of celebrity and rock and roll through screen printing paintings on linen. His artwork for this exhibition features Marilyn Monroe. Each piece is rendered in both opulent platinum and dazzling gold, providing plenty of sparkles on sight. The exhibition follows a decade of hardship through extreme austerity in the United States following the Wall Street crash and the resulting Great Depression. Marilyn’s rise to fame led to feelings of optimism amongst the American public. Her chaotic and troubled life was well publicised due to the voracious appetite of the public. Her alluring appeal even led to Presidents, celebrated sports players and writers falling under her spell. Her vulnerability and unexpected death had a profound effect on fans all over the world and to this very day maintains Marilyn’s status as a superstar.
It was well worth a visit. Each piece is an epitaph and celebrates the journey of the great American Dream.
