Unpublished Marilyn, Eve Arnold snapshots unveiled
Eve Arnold, an illustrious photojournalist of the second half of the 20th century, portrayed Marilyn Monroe with remarkable fidelity. Her book, Marilyn Monroe: An Appreciation, published in 1978, features the most intimate shots of the Hollywood star, and has been republished by her grandson.
At a time when commercial glamour sought to encapsulate her, Arnold captured Monroe’s authenticity. The photographer, who passed away in 2012, has left a lasting legacy. Her work, immortalized by an exceptional photographic collection and a detailed biography, opens up a visual dialogue. Today, this collection is the subject of an unpublished reissue, enriched by Michael Arnold, her grandson.
Marilyn Monroe, the ideal target of a very masculine industry, embodies a reductive and commercial hypersexualization. Her double-edged popularity fueled her addiction to drugs and other substances. However, Eve Arnold’s vision revives Monroe’s humanity. Moving away from fantasized representations, Arnold reveals the actress’s true intimacy. More than a decade of trust and nearly a hundred shots, from black & white to color, illustrate this photographic journey through Monroe’s life.
An eventful reissue
Sixteen years after the icon’s death, Arnold publishes a biography of Marilyn Monroe. Her aim is to tell the stories behind the photographs that bear witness to their unique relationship. The book, Marilyn Monroe: An Appreciation, has now been restored and expanded. Michael Arnold, as administrator of the estate, has added newly discovered exclusive images, an introduction, and a foreword signed by Anjelica Huston. This eventful reissue honors the historic Arnold-Monroe collaboration.
The early 1950s marked a turning point in the career of Norma Jeane, newly renamed Marilyn Monroe. Between calendar photos and starring roles, she was now the talk of Hollywood. Meanwhile, Eve Arnold became the first woman photographer to work for Magnum Photos. Her lens captures Marilyn in all her facets, revealing a less glamorous reality.
The artistic collaboration was encouraged by Monroe herself, who was fascinated by Marlene Dietrich’s shots. “If you could do that well with Marlene, can you imagine what you could do with me?” she told Arnold. That evening in 1952 marked the beginning of a genuine relationship. Arnold strives to capture Monroe’s depth and sincerity, revealing a stunning photographic collection.
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