Marilyn Minter: Hard Core Art

Bloodshot

I’ve been a huge fan of Marilyn Minter’s paintings and photographs for about 6 years now…

Never before have I seen art that seamlessly combines elements that are both disturbing and beautiful in a way that reads high fashion. Each piece of Minter’s art achieves what I believe every creative medium- art, music, literature, you name it- should: you feel something. My favorite part about Marilyn as an artist (besides her use of glitter) is that she has the ability to capture images that make you feel uncomfortable, conflicted, disturbed, and inspired.

Honeydew

What Makes Marilyn Minter’s Art Different?

Marilyn paints and photographs subject matter that many female artists avoid and many people find politically incorrect… and she’s not afraid to be blunt about it. She says:

I thought, “What subject matter have female artists never owned or tackled or made imagery out of it?” Then it hit me: hard core porn.

Not only is she trite about women and sexual imagery, she also has an enlightened, straightforward attitude on surviving in the competitive world of art. On the industry, she says:

“It’s very competitive and the only way I think you can do it is by talking about it…. like saying, ‘God, I’m so jealous’ instead of saying, ‘Ah, you’re not any good’. I think if you’re able to voice it, saying, ‘Wow, you really inspire me, I think I hate you.’ If you can keep it there, you can survive.”

Drain

Marilyn Minter + Tom Ford = A Collaboration Made in Fashion Heaven

Marilyn Minter for Tom Ford F/W 2007With her propensity for shooting models and her artwork’s high fashion appeal, it was only a matter of time before Marilyn’s talent was noticed by a major fashion designer. What better match could possibly exist for the artist famous for her close-ups of eyes than a gig shooting eyewear ads for Tom Ford? Obviously that question was rhetorical.

Check out more of Marilyn Minter’s work below!

Which image is your favorite? Leave a comment with your answer!

Images: All Images © Marilyn Minter