As an artist, Russell Young has long been captivated by the contradiction of the myth and reality of the “American Dream”. Celebrated for his transformations of cultural icons through the process of silk screen printing, his finished works depict the jaded reality of glamorous excess of 21st-century America.
Marilyn Monroe is generally regarded as Young’s most iconic and in demand subject. His early diamond dust works on linen (of which Marilyn Glamour is one) were created in a series of 10 (plus 2 to 3 proofs). Diamond dust is a sparkling material that when applied to paper and ink in the silkscreen printing process creates a textured and incandescent finish.
Each of the screen prints is considered a “series” rather than “an edition” because of the way in which they are each hand pulled and therefore variations exist. The diamond dust is applied individually so disparities exist in this aspect of creation too.
Young’s reputation for celebrity portraiture has made him one of the most collected and sought after artists of our time. His works are exhibited extensively around the world.
Marilyn Glamour will be offered at our Wednesday 1 November Modern and Contemporary Prints auction, estimate £7,000-9,000.
For more information please contact our specialist Shane Xu shanexue@sworder.co.uk