Artist creates beautiful Marilyn Monroe portrait out of 120 Pop-Tarts

A creative food artist has reimagined the legendary Marilyn Monroe artwork using an unconventional medium – Pop Tarts.

Originally crafted by Andy Warhol as a silk-screen, Nathan Wyburn has paid tribute to the iconic piece by meticulously arranging over 120 Pop-Tarts into a vibrant mosaic.

From his Cardiff studio, Nathan devoted over 10 hours to crafting the breath-taking series of artworks inspired by the actress and the 1950s art movement.

While Warhol’s Monroe portrait is one of the world’s priciest, selling for $195m in 2022, this innovative rendition can be admired at a pop-up exhibition in London’s Bethnal Green.

The temporary gallery, created by Pop-Tarts to celebrate its heritage as a nod to pop art, is open to the public on October 25th and 26th for visitors aged 18 and above.

Nathan commented: “Using Pop-Tarts to create these pieces was a unique and intriguing experience that really captures the ‘true’ essence of pop art making the ordinary extraordinary. Marilyn in particular was a real challenge to capture that signature and distinct look of hers.”

He goes on to say: “I of course have massive respect for the original pieces of art that have inspired this work, but I think they look pretty epic recreated out of Pop-Tarts and bring a new, playful lease of life to the art.”

This edible art follows a survey of 2,000 Brits, which crowned Banksy as the nation’s favourite artist, followed closely by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Andy Warhol.

A recent study has revealed that the Mona Lisa by Da Vinci is considered the most overhyped piece of art, with over 20% of respondents agreeing.

The research also highlights a significant age gap in art appreciation, with 61% of Gen Z identifying as art enthusiasts, followed by 46% of Millennials. In contrast, only 29% of Gen X and 31% of Baby Boomers consider themselves art lovers.

Despite their passion for art, 31% of young adults rarely visit galleries, with 24% finding them dull. The study found that 37% of Gen Z would be more likely to visit galleries if they were free, while a third wished galleries were more interactive and hands-on.

Shauna Lenagh, senior director at Kellogg’s, which is offering visitors the chance to create their own edible masterpieces at a pop-up gallery, said: “To highlight the little-known fact that Pop Tarts were named after the pop art movement, and celebrate our 60th anniversary, we have worked with Nathan Wyburn to bring the Pop (T)Art Gallery Experience to life.”

“We look forward to seeing our visitors’ reactions to the artwork, and the creative expressions they come up with themselves.”