An exclusive Canadian premiere showcasing the intimate, timeless images of Marilyn Monroe and other cultural icons by pioneering photojournalist Eve Arnold.
VIP Preview: September 19: 6:00pm-9:00pm, September 20: 5:00pm-6:00pm
Public Viewing: September 20: 1:00pm-3:00pm and 6:00pm-9:00pm
RSVP to Eric@ThatEricAlper.com
Liss Gallery proudly presents Marilyn Monroe – The Untold Portraits, an exclusive exhibition of Eve Arnold’s photography at Toronto’s Liss Gallery, 112 Cumberland Street. The exhibition offers art professionals and the general public alike the rare opportunity to experience Arnold’s extraordinary lens on Monroe and the icons of the 20th century.
Eve Arnold (1912–2012) was one of the most influential photojournalists of her era. Born in Philadelphia to Russian immigrant parents, she began her photographic journey in 1946 while working at a photo-finishing plant in New York City. By 1948, she studied with Alexei Brodovitch at the New School for Social Research, where she refined her distinctive, human-centered approach.
Arnold joined Magnum Photos in 1951 and became a full member in 1957. Though based in the United States during the 1950s, she moved to England in 1962, making London her home. Her celebrated career spanned portraits of Marilyn Monroe, Malcolm X, Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn, along with extensive documentary work in China. Arnold earned countless accolades, including the National Book Award (1980), the Royal Photographic Society fellowship (1995), and the International Center of Photography’s Master Photographer honor.
Marilyn Monroe – The Untold Portraits unveils Arnold’s most intimate images of Monroe, captured across six sessions spanning a decade. From quiet, unguarded moments to cinematic stills taken during The Misfits, the photographs reflect the duality of Monroe as both global star and vulnerable human being. Arnold’s eye for reality — eschewing artificial light or studio setups — reveals Monroe as she was rarely seen.
The exhibition also contextualizes Monroe within Arnold’s broader body of work, which included portraits of Malcolm X, Josephine Baker, Yves Saint Laurent, and political leaders worldwide. These works illuminate Arnold’s rare gift: to humanize icons while capturing their cultural weight. As Arnold herself noted, “It is the photographer, not the camera, that is the instrument.”
The exhibition Marilyn Monroe – The Untold Portraits is on now and runs until October 4th at Liss Gallery, 112 Cumberland Street. A special VIP Preview will take place on Friday, September 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on Saturday, September 20, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Public viewing hours are scheduled for Saturday, September 20, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The general public showings are during regular scheduled hours until October 4, 2025.
This exhibition affirms Arnold’s place within the canon of modern visual storytelling. Her Monroe series, layered with vulnerability and strength, resonates in today’s art world as both historical artifact and timeless commentary on fame, intimacy, and representation.
Public programming includes a Q&A with Michael Arnold, offering rare insight into Eve Arnold’s practice and legacy. The gallery is fully accessible, and visitors are encouraged to engage with supplementary materials contextualizing Arnold’s contribution to photography.
Marilyn Monroe – The Untold Portraits is not only a tribute to Monroe but also a celebration of Eve Arnold’s groundbreaking vision. As Liss Gallery continues to champion cultural storytelling through photography, this exhibition promises to spark dialogue and inspire future explorations of identity, fame, and humanity.
Liss Gallery is dedicated to presenting contemporary and historical art exhibitions, with a focus on photography, painting, and sculpture. The gallery fosters cultural dialogue and brings world-class artists to Canadian audiences.