WARNING: Tacky Camera Angles Ahead
Marilyn Monroe was loaded on two trailers said goodbye to Chicago on May 8th. These photos were taken on May 7th as she was being disassembled. |
But first, I need to provide a defense of tastelessness. I like to think of the camera as a neutral party. It will always seek drama and interesting light. A misty night in Chicago with the Wrigley Building bathed in floodlights provides more drama than a poor camera can tolerate. The view from the other direction was comparatively boring.
You were warned about the tacky/tasteless camera angles. Turn back before it is too late!
This statue represents a titillating and iconic scene from the 1955 movie The Seven Year Itch. Today we would find much worse on network TV. It's the scale and placement that draws attention.
As public art, it would be hard to argue that the entire installation wasn't a bit tasteless. It was kitchy and over-the-top and probably would look more at home in Vegas. Actually, Palm Springs is a sensible home. It is warm, optimistic and smells vaguely of Hollywood. According to local news reports, Marilyn Forever arrived in Palm Springs on May 14th.
I would not have guessed that Marilyn was assembled onsite. It makes sense. How could you get this under an overpass in one piece? Factoid: this sculpture weighed in at 34,000 pounds! |
And we have separation! |
The Marilyn Separation continues.
The Marilyn Separation also reminded me of another iconic Star Trek scene.
I didn't want to go too heavy on the photos or I would have added images of one of the crew climbing in and out of the lower section. Tasteless is one thing; tasteless and disturbing is quite another.
By now you might have surmised that more than one camera was involved. For walking around at night, I fit the Sony NEX 3 with an Olympus PEN F 38mm f1.8. I pressed the iPhone into service for wider angles.
Marilyn always did love the bright lights. Goodbye and enjoy your new desert home! |
It is like Marilyn going to pieces.
ReplyDeleteVery nicely lit photos, Dwayne. And a 26 foot tall MM statue would have been a sight to see.
ReplyDeleteIncluding that shot of the Borg Queen is priceless! (Not sorry I missed seeing this statue - a bit creepy it was.)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great set of...photos!
ReplyDeleteI think that Marilyn will feel VERY much at home in Palm Springs.
Zaftig, indeed! ;-)
ReplyDelete