As a teenager, I (along with thousands of other young girls, I'm sure) had a picture of Marilyn Monroe hanging on my wall. Though, to my credit, it wasn't the iconic photo of her skirt blowing up, or even that one where she's pumping iron. Instead, it was a small postcard I bought from the gift store of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York that showed Marilyn looking away from the camera, pensive, and almost sad.I still have that photo—a rare glimpse into the starlet's less-than-perfect life—but I'm not the only person to admire the actress at her most vulnerable moments.
A new traveling exhibit from Limited Runs showcases never before seen photos of Marilyn Monroe for one day only at the Sarah Stocking Gallery in SF. The show includes images from noted photographers and close friends who had exclusive access to the star's short life, with amazing backstories for the gorgeous shots, including:
Thomas "Doc" Kaminski:
For 61 days, Kaminski documented the making of The Misfits with his 16mm camera showing Monroe as a serious actress not only in front of the camera but behind it as well.
Allan "Whitey" Snyder:
Known primarily as Monroe's long-time personal makeup artist, he would have impromptu photo shoots with Monroe as it would calm her nerves in between filming.
Milton Greene:
Famed fashion / celebrity photographer with an active career of over four decades. He worked closely with Monroe for four years and conducted 52 photo shoots, resulting in some of the most iconic photographs ever taken of her.
Lani Carlson:
Known for never leaving his house without his camera, Lani has photographed some of the world's biggest celebrities such as Grace Kelly, Cary Grant, Liz Taylor, and more. According to Carlson though, the images he has of Monroe are the "crown jewels" of his collection, having the opportunity to follow her throughout the night of a 20th Century Fox party releasing the song "Marilyn."
Mischa Pelz:
A friend of Monroe's, his photographs show her days before the release of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and within weeks she achieved the pinnacle of her success. Many of his photographs have not been seen in over 60 years.
See the photos Thursday, June 19 - Saturdya, June 21 at the Sarah Stocking Gallery, 368 Jackson Street. It will be open to the public all day.
