MARILYN MINTER

"I take things that already exist and just push them"

When I was looking for an artist that I wanted to study I felt it was extremely important to find someone who is fundamentally interested in the same things as I am. After a short period of time I stumbled across Minter’s work and was immediately drawn to the images. And to her. To all of it really. It’s just so good.

I want to go over some of her work chronologically to how I viewed it. I remember being increasingly taken aback by the images I saw so I’m going to try to recreate that experience through this presentation! But before I get into the art it’s of course important to understand a bit about the artist.

Marilyn Minter is a progressive American artist who is known for her unique photographs as well as her hyperrealistic paintings. Born in Louisiana, Minter studied art both at the University of Florida and Syracuse University before moving to New York City to practice her art. Minter’s subjects vary greatly but she relies on consistent motifs to produce her brand. For example, one of the most profound aspects of Minter’s work lies in her juxtaposition of the glamour in the beauty industry along side its grunge and chaos.

 

Wet Kiss - 2014 - Photograph

This was the first image of Minter’s that I saw. Right away I was drawn to the color choice of the models lip. Minter chose an exceedingly feminine color in order to contrast with the sensuality of the steam and water.

 

   

Mangechi Gold 3 - 2009 - Photograph

The next image I saw (for lack of better words) slapped me across my face. But I think that’s the idea. Minter balanced the beauty and luxury of liquid gold with a ‘tasteless’ pose and chaotically applied makeup.

 

Black Orchid - 2012 - Photograph

This is one of absolute favorites of Minter. As I’m typing this I’m thinking about how she uses the same motif in a majority of her images but switches the way in which she presents them. Whether it be chaotically applied beauty products (i.e. Mangechi Gold 3) or showing obvious dualistic nature like in this image, Minter manages to say the same thing in many different ways.

 

Tear Jerker - 2004 - Photograph

This image (in my opinion of course) is the most representative form of Minter’s work. From the classically feminine red lip to the beauty of the jewels mirrored in the subjects sweat, Minter managed to eloquently tell her story. What strikes me about this image is the way in which the jewels are chained around the models features. While it still reads as beautiful there are definite grungy undertones.

 

PHOTOGRAPHY

PAINTING

GREEN PINK CAVIAR