The dramatic sculpture Forever Marilyn is a portrait inspired by the photograph taken by Bernard of Hollywood. The bronze is 26 feet tall and extremely realistic – especially in the skin tones. Her unique patina involves 10 layers of hues with a matte finish except for the glossy elements of her lips, toe nails and the pearlized finish on the earrings. A passion for detail and an uncanny realism of pose are qualities often associated with the works of sculptor Seward Johnson. Well-known for recreating life in our times in vivid realism, with this work the artist explores in three dimensions why some visual images so captivate us that they become larger than life. These subjects outlive their own time periods and come to stand for something metaphoric and grand. Such is this most recent release from the hands of artist Seward Johnson, which arrived in Chicago for its international debut last year. “Forever Marilyn” belongs to the series entitled, ICONS REVISITED.

Visit www.sewardjohnson.com to learn more about the artist.

Dimensions:
Assembled in 4 sections + base
Leg Section: 14’ high x 9’ wide x 4’ deep
Head & Torso Section: 10’ high x 6’8” wide x 4’5”
Skirt Part 1: 12’ high x 15’ wide x 9’ deep
Skirt Part 2: 9’ high x 15’ wide x 9’ deep
Base Part 1: 14’ x 7’ x 11’
Base Part 1: 14’ x 7’ x 11’

Weight:
Torso with head: 2,000 lbs
Big section of skirt: 7,000 lbs
Small section of skirt: 2,500 lbs
Legs: 4,800 lbs
Base: 18,000 lbs
Total: 34,300 lbs

The sculpture debuted July 15, 2011 on Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois and arrived in Palm Springs in May of 2012. The current installation will run through June 2013. 

The sculpture has been featured in The Chicago Tribune, USA Today, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and Time Magazine. Broadcast coverage has spanned all major networks including ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX and MSNBC as well as international media outlets including China, Germany, Finland, Canada and the United Kingdom.

P.S. Resorts spearheaded the effort to bring “Forever Marilyn” to Palm Springs. P.S. Resorts is a non-profit organization made up of local hoteliers to promote Palm Springs tourism through events and attractions. For additional information regarding P.S. Resorts contact Nadine Koehler at 760-275-0963 or Nadine@PS-Resorts.com.

“Forever Marilyn” is on loan from The Sculpture Foundation, a charitable and educational organization dedicated to providing exhibitions and contemporary landmark public artworks for communities. The Collection, including more than 150 artists and currently valued at over fifty million dollars, is on view in urban centers, small towns, regional parks, and cultural institutions worldwide. Visit www.sculpturefoundation.org for additional details.

For media inquiries specific to “Forever Marilyn” contact Joe Enos or Mark Anderson at BuzzFactory.biz at 760-969-4200 or PR@BuzzFactory.biz.