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.