Russell Young
Marilyn 100
June 1st, 2026 marks the 100th birthday of Marilyn Monroe.
Monroe was one of the first celebrities to become an image, defining the visual vocabulary of the 20th century. Andy Warhol’s 1962 Marilyn Diptych cemented her as a pop icon and an enduring commentary on fame, the construction of self, and media saturation—themes that continue to define contemporary culture. Russell Young, who owns a printmaking press once used by Warhol, carries that legacy into the 21st century with hand-pulled, silk screen paintings that are an eternal mirror of American culture.
Young is leading the artistic tribute to Monroe through his new series MARILYN 100 – his year-long program of exhibitions, new artworks, and exclusive events around the globe – created in collaboration with the Marilyn Monroe Estate and Authentic Brands Group (Authentic), steward of Monroe’s legacy, alongside premier lifestyle partners. MARILYN 100 serves as the artistic kick-off to the broader 2026 centennial celebrations led by Authentic.
Young is pleased to announce the creation of a limited series of Marilyn Crying 100 paintings in six colors to celebrate Monroe’s birthday. These diamond-dusted, hand-pulled screen print paintings on linen capture a century of fame. Young’s distinct and evocative treatment of Monroe’s image reflects both the turbulence of her era and the ongoing cultural obsession that continues to shape how we see fame today.