Tough Guy

Tough Guy

1999
Artist
Marilyn Minter, American, 1948-
Born: Shreveport, LA
Work Locations: New York, NY
Country
United States
Object
painting
Medium
Enamel on metal
Accession Number
2001.793
Credit Line
Gift from Vicki and Kent Logan to the Collection of the Denver Art Museum

© Marilyn Minter

Dimensions
height: 36 in, 91.4400 cm; width: 48 in, 121.9200 cm
Department
Modern and Contemporary Art
Collection
Modern and Contemporary Art

Marilyn Minter’s work shocks the viewer into questioning the ideas of what is attractive versus repellent, utilizing sexualized close-ups of male and female body parts in unusual poses, resulting in abstract images and meanings. The viewer relates to the image on a human level, reaching a wider audience by highlighting imperfections of the form, while also allowing the exploration of personal views on sexuality. The focus of "Tough Guy" is a close-up image of a mouth, with lips slightly parted revealing missing and pearly teeth. Dark stubble grows above the figure’s mouth, contrasting with the fair skin and pink lips.

Marilyn Minter was born in 1948 in Shreveport, Louisiana. She received her BFA. from the University of Florida and her MFA in Painting from Syracuse University, New York. 

Exhibition History
  • "Focus: The Figure" —Denver Art Museum, 08/2008 - 12/2010
  • “Disruption: Works from the Vicki and Kent Logan Collection” — Denver Art Museum, 1/13/2022