Opening reception: September 12, 2012. 7:00 p.m.
September 12 through November 30, 2012.
The ever fascinating life of the iconic actress about whom several hundred books have been written and untold stories still to be heard, will be further enhanced by the first time solo museum showing of “The Magic of Marilyn,” a rare collection of 27 photos of Marilyn Monroe by Bruno Bernard, internationally known as “Bernard of Hollywood”.
Appearing at the opening reception will be author Susan Bernard whose book “Marilyn: Intimate Exposures,” a lavishly illustrated volume celebrating Monroe’s enduring beauty through photographs by her legendary father, follows six previous books including the best-selling Bernard of Hollywood’s Ultimate Pin-Up Book published by Taschen. Bernard will read from her new book and will be joined by WEAM Artistic Director Helmut Schuster in a conversation revisiting the 50th anniversary year of Monroe’s passing.
Best known for having “discovered” Monroe after they met in 1946 when Bernard invited her to a photo shoot, the enduring professional relationship was to transform the then unknown Norma Jean to the iconic sex symbol the world came to know as Marilyn Monroe. For the first time seen in a museum, the exhibit at WEAM follows the evolution of Monroe’s career through 27 photos, three of which will remain in the museum’s permanent collection.
Born in Berlin in 1912, Bruno Bernard was a student of law and criminal psychology winning his Ph. D. in law and later obtaining an international fellowship to California’s University of Berkley. He escaped Nazi Germany and came to America alone and penniless. It was in Hollywood when theatrical giant Max Reinhardt opened his theatrical workshop that Bernard switched professions to study stage and motion picture direction under the tutelage of prominent director William Dieterle. Bernard discovered Marilyn in 1946 when she was still Norma Jean. He gave Norma Jean’s first professional sitting to his good friend Ben Lyons, the head of talent at 20th Century Fox. These photos secured Norma her first screen test and her first motion picture contract. When Bruno appeared on the set of the Seven Year Itch in 1954, where he took his famous photo of Marilyn standing over the subway grate, Marilyn stopped everything and in front of the entire crew and ran up to him and said, “Remember Bernie everything started with you.” From 1946 to 1954 Bernard captured some of the most crucial moments of her fascinating life. They developed a lifelong friendship.
Bernard’s future folio would also include such all time glamour subjects as Elizabeth Taylor, Anita Ekberg, Lili Ct. Cyr, Mara Corday, Jeanne Crain, Brigitte Bardot, Lucille Ball, Marlene Dietrich, Gene Tierney, Janet Leigh, Jayne Mansfield and Julie Newmar. Bruno Bernard died in June 1987 at the age of 78.
Curators of the exhibit are Susan Bernard and Helmut Schuster. The World Erotic Art Museum is located at 1205 Washington Avenue with its adjoining new space located at 235 12th Street. Open Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to Midnight. Tickets are $15. No one under 18 admitted.
The World Erotic Art Museum
1205 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305.532.9336
www.weam.com
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