“I’ve strived to create a culturally significant, spiritual piece"
Contemporary artist San B has created a one-of-one collectors’ piece using Swarovski crystals to mark the 100th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe’s birth.
As the only artist to be approved and supported by the Hollywood icon’s estate at this time, he used more than 150,000 crystals in Marilyn Monroe: Immortal.
Over 1,000 hours of hand placement and over 2 carat Swarovski Created Diamonds capture Monroe’s visual presence and emotional energy.
San B’s previous works include a Queen Elizabeth II profile for Rolls-Royce and portraits of Anthony Joshua and Bruno Mars.
His exhibits have featured at Christie’s, The Savoy and prestigious venues worldwide.
The 2m x 1.5m work of Marilyn Monroe will be displayed from June 3 at Iconic Images Gallery at Waterloo Place in Piccadilly, London.
A private auction on July 2 will support Caudwell Children and Caudwell Youth Foundation, with over £500,000 raised through San B’s artwork to date.
San B commented: “The uncrystallised black background void illustrates Norma Jeane’s private emotional fragility and the psychological toll of her intoxicating fame, while the intense Swarovski Created Diamonds set in the subject’s eyes symbolise her dazzling public persona: captivating innocence, brilliance under pressure and timeless glamour.
“I’ve strived to create a culturally significant, spiritual piece of living art for this milestone anniversary, with the intricate crystal mosaic drawing in the beholder to reflect on the enduring fascination with Monroe’s image.
“This work has ignited my interest as to when a human transcends biography and enters permanence: when image becomes structure and likeness gives way to presence, completing the passage to immortality.”
Dana Carpenter, Executive Vice President Authentic Brands Group, executors of the Marilyn Monroe Estate, added:
“San B’s work demonstrates how taking agency over one’s image can create dimensionality, leaving an impenetrable legacy.”
“This exclusive one-of-a-kind piece makes a statement as intricate and multifaceted as Marilyn and a beautiful way to celebrate what would have been her 100th birthday.”
A Sikh born in Forest Gate and now living in Essex, San B says his upbringing has influenced his work, with grit and ambition shaped by his diverse community.
Entrepreneurship runs in his family, with his father running his own business.
His background in architecture shapes his approach to tonal planning, emotional expression and structured construction.
His use of Swarovski crystals and lab-created diamonds creates a deliberate tension between beauty and hardness, style and depth, image and permanence.
The work refracts light, portraying Monroe’s legacy through layered visual projection.
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