Steve Kaufman Large 55” Marilyn Monroe Hollywood Star Unique Original Signed Canvas

Artist: Steve Kaufman
Title: Marilyn Monroe Hollywood Star
Medium: Unique Acrylic Screen-print on Canvas
Stretch Canvas: 55" x 51"
Frame Size: 60.75" x 56.25"
Edition: Unique Acrylic Screen-print on Canvas
Inscription: Signed on verso
Documentation: Gallery certificate of authenticity from Modern Artifact

In Marilyn Monroe Hollywood Star, Steve Kaufman captures the allure and timeless charm of one of Hollywood's most iconic figures. This unique acrylic screen-print features a striking black-and-white portrait of Marilyn Monroe, set against a cheerful, pastel, color-blocked background that infuses the work with Kaufman's signature pop art energy. Monroe's image is framed dynamic hues, while Kaufman brings a pop of color to the composition through selective detailing, further elevating the portrait's sense of glamour and celebrity.

Kaufman's mastery of the screen-printing technique, a skill he perfected during his time as Andy Warhol's assistant, is evident in this piece. His innovative approach blends traditional pop art methods with his own artistic nuances, creating a piece that is both a tribute to Monroe and a contemporary re-imagining of her star power.

Marilyn Monroe Hollywood Star measures an impressive 60.75" x 56.25" framed. The artwork is signed on the verso and includes a gallery certificate of authenticity from Modern Artifact, verifying its provenance and ensuring its place in the lineage of Kaufman's celebrated works. Marilyn Monroe Hollywood Star stands as a powerful, vibrant representation of Kaufman's ability to turn cultural icons into enduring, emotionally resonant art.

About Steve Kaufman

Steve Kaufman is celebrated as one of the most influential artists in the evolution of American pop art. His work is renowned for its technical innovation and its transformative impact on the movement, shifting the focus of pop art from simple depictions of everyday objects to explorations of cultural significance and social issues.

Kaufman's artistic journey began at an exceptionally young age. At just eight years old, he held his first art exhibition at his synagogue, with works from this show now displayed at the Jewish Holocaust Memorial in Brooklyn, New York. By twelve, Kaufman had already achieved commercial success with a commission to create custom pet rocks for Macy's department store in New York City. Throughout his adolescence, Kaufman continued to thrive as an artist, eventually enrolling in the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York.

A turning point in Kaufman's career came when he met legendary pop artist Andy Warhol at Studio 54. The two developed a close friendship and professional partnership, with Kaufman working as Warhol's assistant at Warhol's iconic studio, "The Factory." Kaufman was deeply influenced by Warhol's approach to art, and the two shared a passion for using diverse mediums such as sculpture, photography, stained glass, mixed media, and film. However, Kaufman became best known for his paintings and prints, which often featured bold depictions of iconic celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Muhammad Ali, Marilyn Monroe, and Jackie Kennedy. His series of Cohiba cigar screen-prints remains one of his most popular and enduring works.

While early pop art was often criticized for its lack of emotional depth, Kaufman sought to give the movement a more personal, human touch. His art moved beyond the celebration of objects, incorporating social commentary on issues such as AIDS awareness, racial equality, and homelessness. One of Kaufman's most notable pieces is a powerful 5-foot by 5-foot canvas featuring Trojan condoms, symbolizing his commitment to raising awareness about AIDS.

Kaufman's ability to blend pop culture, humor, and activism helped redefine contemporary art, elevating it from mere consumerism to a platform for meaningful social discourse. His legacy is one of both artistic excellence and social consciousness, cementing his place as a transformative figure in the history of pop art.