| By :
Martin Hofschroer
British artist Simon Claridge has explained why he uses famous female icons in his work. The most recent Simon Claridge prints have included portraits of iconic Hollywood starlets, supermodels and legendary musicians, which have been encrusted with diamond dust. Some of the limited edition Simon Claridge prints in the Diamond Dust Collection feature Bridgette Bardot, Kate Moss and Marylin Monroe and the artist has revealed that he chose these women because of the reactions they provoke. Simon Claridge has said that his portraits are intended to celebrate society's fascination with female icons of the modern age who are synonymous with desires and dreams of glamour, sex and fame. The artist specifically chose to depict Monroe, Bardot and Moss as they have each influenced the way that successive generations viewed fashion and beauty. In addition, while the trio of women are very much symbolic of the era they lived in, they also have the ability to transcend time. Simon Claridge also said that his work has been directly inspired by Pop-Art guru Andy Warhol who started encrusting his portraits with diamond dust in the 1970s and '80s. "The use of Diamond Dust adds a new dimension to my canvas surfaces. In part, this collection is a direct response to Warhol and his use of the glittery surface," the artist is reported as saying on The Original Art Shop. Critics of Warhol said that by creating a glittery surface the artist was commentating on society's obsession with glamour, illusion and extravagance and this has been expanded on by Claridge. Simon Claridge said that Warhol's work is as relevant as ever and is continuing to resonate as people life more extravagant lives. Warhol's comments about everyone having 15 minutes of fame in the future have seemingly been proved correct by the media's fixation with celebrity and reality television stars. Simon Claridge has said that ultimately the portraits have been painted to create a connection between the subject and the audience. "I am just a fan of these icons and it has been a pleasure to interpret them in paint in a way that I love. All I hope for is the painting to be a bridge between the infamous icon and the viewer," the website reported Claridge as saying. Art enthusiasts will be able to see Simon Claridge prints on display at the Artisan Fine Art Royal Exchange Gallery on June 17th. Simon Claridge will be there in person to discuss his work and personalise any pieces which are purchased on the day.
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