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Overview
"Every painting I do informs the next painting. As the colours have a story and one informs the next, so do the protagonists."
Russell Young was born in 1959 in Northern England. From an early age, Young was drawn to the quintessential “American dream,” which he thought represented freedom and possibility. He eventually developed an interest in photography, and studied photography, film, and graphic art at the Chester Art College.
Young’s first photography job was under Christos Raftopoulos, who eventually pushed Young to take on projects of his own. Young started at the live club shows of Bauhaus, R.E.M. and the Smiths. The talented photographer quickly picked up work for magazines, shooting portraits of Morrissey, Bjork, Springsteen, Dylan, New Order, Diana Ross, Paul Newman and many other celebrities, as well as directing one hundred music videos during the glory days of MTV.
Less than a decade ago, Young emerged on the fine art scene with his first series of screen prints titled “Pig Portraits,” which depicted celebrities through the police mug shots lens. This series included screen prints of Jane Fonda, Steve McQueen, Martin Luther King, Jr., and more. These works were and continue to be recognized as uniquely “Russell Young.”
Several series have followed Pig Portraits, including Rebel Rebel, Shoplifters of the World Unite, Dirty Pretty Things, Bankrobber, American Envy, Only Anarchists are Pretty, and others.
In addition to recognition for his iconic images, Young is also acknowledged for his use of diamond dust. He began using this technique in 2007, pressing the crystals into the enamel of the prints. No two diamond dust pieces are exactly alike, as the crystals are applied individually to each work. Young’s Marilyn Monroe diamond dust pieces continue to reach new highs at public auction. His pieces have graced the auction block at Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Phillips de Pury in both the United States and the UK.
Russell Young lives and works on the California coast and in Brooklyn, New York. His work has been shown in London, Paris, Berlin, Tokyo, Singapore, New York, Detroit, Miami and Los Angeles. His works are in acclaimed collections such as the Balthazar Getty (of the Getty Museum), Abey Rosen, Barack Obama, Brad Pitt, and more.
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New In Russell Young Silkscreens and Paintings
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Series
Russell Young
Marilyn Crying, 2008Acrylic and enamel screen print with diamond dust on linen in Aerospace Silver62 x 48 in
157.5 x 121.9 cmUnique ImpressionSeries: Marilyn CryingCopyright The ArtistMarilyn Crying by Russell Young available at Guy Hepner. Russell Young's 'Marilyn Crying' series is undoubtedly one of his most profound and emotionally charged bodies of work. Each piece within...Marilyn Crying by Russell Young available at Guy Hepner.Russell Young's 'Marilyn Crying' series is undoubtedly one of his most profound and emotionally charged bodies of work. Each piece within this series serves as a powerful testament to the artist's remarkable ability to enthrall audiences through his unique reinterpretation of the iconic Hollywood figure, Marilyn Monroe. In these artworks, Young masterfully captures moments of vulnerability and raw emotion, offering viewers a rare glimpse into the inner turmoil that often lay beneath Monroe's glamorous exterior.
What sets Young's 'Marilyn Crying' series apart is its ability to evoke a profound sense of empathy and connection with its audience. By portraying Monroe in moments of anguish and despair, Young humanizes the legendary actress, inviting viewers to empathize with her struggles and vulnerabilities. Through his meticulous attention to detail and use of diamond dust canvas, Young infuses each piece with a sense of luminosity and depth, further enhancing their emotional impact.
The availability of the 'Marilyn Crying Diamond Dust Canvas' at Guy Hepner presents art enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to own a piece of contemporary art history. This particular artwork not only serves as a stunning visual centerpiece but also as a poignant reminder of Monroe's enduring legacy and the profound impact of Russell Young's artistic vision.