Bold. Luminous. Utterly iconic.
This original hand-painted work is Simon Claridge’s contemporary reimagining of Marilyn Monroe, filtered through the electric language of classic pop art. Painted meticulously in acrylic on board and enriched with shimmering gold leaf highlights, the piece brings a cinematic glamour and modern edge to one of Hollywood’s most enduring muses.

The graphic Benday-dot styling, punchy outlining, and stylised comic-book speech bubble honour the mid-century pop aesthetic—while the gold leaf catches the light in a way that gives the entire portrait an irresistible, high-gloss luxury. It feels both vintage and fresh, nostalgic and unapologetically current.

Marilyn’s famous line “I just want to be wonderful” becomes a powerful centrepiece—at once intimate, honest, and timeless. This is more than a portrait; it’s a statement about vulnerability, ambition, and the pursuit of beauty in all its forms.