November 8, 2008, Shanghai - With the theme of "Tribute to Andy Warhol & Marilyn Monroe," a modern art exhibition sponsored by Mercedes-AMG was unveiled today at the Shanghai Royal Meridien Hotel. The five-day event promises to present original artworks by Andy Warhol, the iconic American artist and a central figure in the movement known as "pop art". Also displayed in the exhibition are works of several photographers shot for the avant garde master and the late Hollywood movie actress, Marilyn Monroe. As the Presenting Sponsor of the art show, Mercedes-AMG –Mercedes-Benz's range of high-performance vehicles– exhibited two performance models to the exhibition, displaying unique charm and elegance together with the masterpieces.

Known as the pioneer and guru of pop art, Andy Warhol is considered as one of the most influencial artists of the 20th century. This year marks a special year for Warhol as it represents the 80th anniversary of the late artist. Born in the 1920s, Warhol demonstrated a unique artistic talent at an early age. He started his successful career in magazine illustration and advertising in New York, and soon after, he gained fame among the city's art circle. Warhol frequently utilized the technique of silk-screening, reproduced serially, and often splashed his art with bright colors. Among his celebrated collections, his portrait of Marilyn Monroe stands out as his most famous piece. Through simple colors and orderly portraits of Monroe, the artist wanted to show the blankness and perplexity of modern people in the commercial world.

In addition to Warhol's works, the exhibition in Shanghai also included the masterpieces of many world famous photographers, especially those from Christophe von Hohenberg. As the photographer who was assigned to record Warhol's memorial service in 1987 in still pictures, von Hohenberg compiled the photos into a book, and entitled it with the legendary artist's name. Aside from the works of von Hohenberg, the exhibition also featured the works of numerous artists, who have worked with Marilyn Monroe at some point in their career.

While the exhibition provided an occasion to revive the legendary collections, it also allowed Mercedes-Benz's three-pointed star to once again radiate its glitz and complement the numerous masterpieces presented at the event. Actually, Mercedes and Andy Warhol had already been connected for a long time. In 1986, the iconic artist created a series of pictures and drawings for Daimler Art Collection to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the motor car. The artist's works became instant classics. Also making their way as classics are the two Mercedes-AMG vehicles that were presented at the exhibition, which embody eye-catching work of genius and outstanding performance characteristics. Although the models were merely put on display and not being driven on the road – where the beauty and prowess of the vehicles can be fully demonstrated – Mercedes-AMG still managed to be impressive enough to subdue the audience. The ML 63 AMG represents the ultimate in dynamism and sportiness in the off-road segment while the CLS 63 AMG is the first luxury four-door coupe equipped with the high performance level of a sports car. Within two years, Mercedes-AMG has introduced five models to the China market, steadily capturing Chinese consumers' attention.

Commenting on Mercedes-AMG's performance in the Chinese market, Mr. Thomas Buehler, Head of Mercedes-AMG China said, "Since our entrance into China, Mercedes-AMG has received tremendous appraisals from the customers and the market. Mercedes-AMG provides top Chinese elites in pursuit of prestige and exclusivity with a freshly innovative alternative to luxury automobiles. As our gesture of appreciation for the market, we brought with us this extraordinary modern art exhibition to China. I strongly believe that the exhibition and Mercedes-AMG have a striking commonality – the perfect combination of elegance, passion, and avant garde."