Life is a Highway
Artist: Chris Tutty
Dimensions: 30 x 40 inches

What if Marilyn Monroe had never died in 1962?

In Life is a Highway, Chris Tutty imagines a different 1963 — one where Marilyn’s story didn’t end so abruptly, but instead continued on a winding road of freedom, fame, and fragility.

The scene unfolds at a lonely Texaco station along Route 66. Marilyn stands partially hidden behind her brand-new split-window ’63 Corvette, sneaking a quiet cigarette. It’s a rare, unguarded moment, one that hints at the chaos beneath her polished Hollywood image. On the hood of the car, her belongings — a red handbag, a bottle of Coke, a compact — are scattered carelessly, symbols of a life constantly in motion, never fully unpacked, never fully settled.

At her feet sits Maf, short for Mafia, the small white dog gifted to her by Frank Sinatra. His name itself is a nod to the darker, more complicated world of Hollywood power players and secrets. In the painting, Maf sits on the curb, not on the car, looking almost sorrowful — perhaps knowing a truth Marilyn herself can’t face.

The cracked windshield tells another story. It speaks of turbulence, of unseen collisions, of how even the most beautiful things carry scars. It’s a metaphor for Marilyn herself — outwardly glamorous, inwardly fragile.

In the corner of the painting, a single white rose lies on the ground. Marilyn famously adored white roses. Did it blow off the hood into the night air as she sped down the highway, or did she discard it herself, a symbol of love lost or innocence left behind? The ambiguity leaves room for the viewer’s own interpretation.

Behind it all, faintly glowing in the distance, is the iconic Hollywood sign. It’s not the glamorous beacon of dreams here, but a faded reminder of the very machine that built Marilyn up and eventually broke her down.

The subtle nod to Musso & Frank, Hollywood’s oldest restaurant and once the place where directors wined and dined rising starlets, adds yet another layer. This was the stage on which roles were won, deals were made, and reputations destroyed. It was the heartbeat of old Hollywood — and a world Marilyn knew all too well.

Perhaps the deepest irony lies in the title itself: Life is a Highway. Maybe when we leave this world, we get to travel an endless road, carefree and happy, forever chasing new adventures.

And fittingly, Route 66 — America’s most iconic highway — ends in Santa Monica, California, where the road simply fades into the Pacific. A perfect metaphor for fame and life itself: no matter how fast we drive or how far we travel, every journey eventually reaches its end. Like

Masterpieces in Motion

Step into the vibrant world of Chris Tutty, where art comes alive with movement and impact. In the "Masterpieces in Motion" section, explore a dynamic slideshow showcasing artworks that have journeyed to local charities. Each piece captures the beauty of life through diverse styles, creating a movement that has raised hundreds of thousands for important causes.

These masterpieces not only reflect Chris Tutty's artistic vision but also demonstrate the power of art to inspire change and support communities. Through this initiative, his works have made a significant difference, enriching lives and bringing people together for a common purpose. Immerse yourself in the artistry that not only moves the heart but also uplifts those in need