A culinary artist has crafted the renowned Marilyn Monroe artwork using Pop Tarts. Andy Warhol’s original portrait was a silk-screen creation, but Nathan Wyburn has honoured the celebrated piece by utilising over 120 Pop-Tarts to form a vibrant mosaic.
From his Cardiff-based studio, it took Nathan more than 10 hours to produce the striking series of works inspired by the actress and the art movement that originated in the 1950s.
Nathan commented: “Using Pop-Tarts to create these pieces was a unique and intriguing experience that really captures the ‘true’ essence of pop art making the ordinary extraordinary. Marilyn in particular was a real challenge to capture that signature and distinct look of hers.”
“I of course have massive respect for the original pieces of art that have inspired this work, but I think they look pretty epic recreated out of Pop-Tarts and bring a new, playful lease of life to the art.”
Warhol’s depiction of Monroe is among the world’s priciest, selling for $195m in 2022, but this more humble rendition can be viewed at a pop-up exhibition in Bethnal Green, London.
The temporary gallery has been established by Pop-Tarts to commemorate its heritage as the snack was initially named as a play on words on pop art. The Gallery welcomes the public on the 25th and 26th October for visitors aged 18 and above.
The food art follows a survey of 2,000 Brits which declared Banksy as the nation’s favourite artist followed by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol. It also found the Mona Lisa by Da Vinci is considered the most overhyped piece of art, with over 20 per cent of respondents agreeing.
The research also highlights a significant age gap in art appreciation, with 61 per cent of Gen Z identifying as art enthusiasts, followed by 46 per cent of Millennials. In contrast, only 29 per cent of Gen X and 31 per cent of Baby Boomers consider themselves art lovers.
Despite their enthusiasm, 31 per cent of young adults rarely visit art galleries, with 24 per cent finding them dull, while a third of wished galleries were more interactive and hands-on.
Shauna Lenagh, senior director at Kellogg’s, which is offering visitors the chance to create their own edible masterpieces at a pop-up art gallery, commented: “To highlight the little-known fact that Pop Tarts were named after the pop art movement, and celebrate our 60th anniversary, we have worked with Nathan Wyburn to bring the Pop (T)Art Gallery Experience to life.”
“We look forward to seeing our visitors’ reactions to the artwork, and the creative expressions they come up with themselves.”