Marilyn Minter has been pushing boundaries both as an artist and an activist for decades. On the eve of her first solo exhibition in Asia, she talks to Oliver Giles about pornography, protests and an encounter with Ivanka Trump
When I call Marilyn Minter in her New York studio, she is not painting, taking photos or doing any of the things you might expect of an artist preparing for their first solo show in Asia. Instead, she is planning a protest. “Donald Trump is a monster, he’s my worst nightmare,” Minter exclaims. “We’re fighting fascism now in the United States. I’ve never seen democracy so fragile—and I’m old. I saw Nixon, I saw the AIDS crisis, I saw Reagan, and this is the worst it’s ever been. I’m planning something with [the political action committee] Downtown for Democracy at the moment, but I’ve always been an activist, it’s just that nobody knew my name.”
That’s changed. Minter, who turned 70 this year, is one of the most famous feminist artists in the US—and the world—one of the few who is both taken seriously by critics and loved by the public. The work of the self-confessed ‘radical bad girl’ is collected by the Museum of Modern Art in New York and Beyoncé; she has given academic lectures at UCLA and hosted panel discussions with Madonna.
This success is hard-won. In the early days of her career, when the young artist was scraping a living in New York in the 1970s and ’80s, she was slated for her glossy paintings incorporating imagery from fashion advertising and pornography. “I’m drawn to things that people find contemptible or shallow,” Minter explains. “Pornography is one of the giant engines of our culture—there’d be no internet without pornography. And the fashion industry and glamour is another giant engine of our culture. It’s a billion-dollar industry.”
Bu hikaye Malaysia Tatler dergisinin Malaysia Tatler October 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Malaysia Tatler dergisinin Malaysia Tatler October 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
How Working Out Transforms Your Skin
When we think about the benefits of exercise, glowing skin might not be the first thing that comes to mind. That said, getting that sweat going is not only great for your body but also an absolute game-changer for your skin
Mane Attraction
Dr Chang Chee Seong of Kaiteki Clinic shares his expert insights on hair loss, from the most common causes to cutting-edge solutions and what to expect on the journey of hair recovery
Body Manscaping
Discover the entrepreneurial journey of Jared Chuah, cofounder of Nateskin, and how this Malaysian brand is breaking taboos around men's grooming, particularly below the belt
Skin Superfoods
Glow from within with these six ingredients that are good for your complexion
Elevated Wellness
Discover Amani Biohacking Club: Malaysia's first biohacking society for optimal leadership and life balance
The Dior Warrior
Drawing inspiration from the world of sports and the strength of female Amazonian warriors, Maria Grazia Chiuri redefines empowered femininity as something both graceful and formidable for Dior's spring-summer 2025 collection
ASIA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL - MALAYSIA
Meet the country's most influential individuals: 100 prominent figures who are changing the landscape in Malaysia across industries in our main categories, from business and STEM, to social impact and culture.
Innovating with Purpose
Chor Chee Hoe, co-founder of Qarbotech, talks about how carbon-based innovations are changing the face of farming and ensuring a greener, more productive future
Grounded Vision
Minister of housing and local government, Nga Kor Ming shares the personal experiences and guiding principles that have shaped him, revealing the thoughtful man behind politician
Raising Penang's Bar
Backdoor Bodega's Koh Yung Shen is elevating Penang's bar scene with Penang Cocktail Week