In the United Kingdom, a special portrait of the iconic actress Marilyn Monroe was unveiled to commemorate the centenary of her birth. The artwork, created by Essex artist San B, features an impressive 150,000 crystals and took over 1,000 hours to complete. Each crystal and two-carat diamond was meticulously placed by hand, showcasing the artist's dedication to creating a piece that reflects Monroe's enduring legacy. The portrait, titled 'Marilyn Monroe: Immortal,' is currently on display at the Images Gallery in Piccadilly, London, starting from Wednesday. San B, a 38-year-old artist from Brentwood, Essex, expressed his intention to create a culturally significant and spiritually resonant piece of living art for this milestone anniversary. He emphasized that Monroe is not just an icon but one of the most recognizable figures in culture, making her the perfect subject for such an ambitious project. San B has previously worked on notable projects, including a profile of Queen Elizabeth II for Rolls-Royce and portraits of celebrities like Anthony Joshua and Bruno Mars, with exhibitions held at prestigious venues such as Christie's and The Savoy. The unveiling of the portrait is not just a celebration of Monroe's life but also serves a charitable purpose. The artwork will be sold at a private auction scheduled for July, with a percentage of the proceeds going to Caudwell Children, a UK charity that supports disabled and autistic children. Additionally, donations will be made to the Caudwell Youth Foundation, which focuses on mentoring at-risk young people facing challenges related to violent behavior and mental health issues. This initiative highlights the artist's commitment to giving back to the community through his art. Dana Carpenter, the executive vice president of Authentic Brands Group, which manages the Marilyn Monroe Estate, praised the portrait as a unique and intricate piece that captures the multifaceted nature of Monroe's legacy. The unveiling of this artwork not only marks a significant moment in honoring Monroe's contributions to film and culture but also reinforces the ongoing fascination with her image and the impact she continues to have on society. As the auction approaches, there is anticipation surrounding the piece, both for its artistic value and the charitable contributions it will facilitate.