Pictured: "Marilyn 4 Pop" by Janine Hoffman. Courtesy of Janine Hoffman.

Get a glimpse of bygone stars and celebrity darlings in a new light through the pop-stylized eye of artist Janine Hoffman and her collection of digital paintings currently on display at Art Uptown Gallery. A striking assemblage of pop-culture portraiture, Hoffman’s “Iconography: New Pop Images” reasserts the classical beauty of some of 20th century America’s most sought-after women while simultaneously challenging the nature of such a pedestal through the curated stares of its subjects.

“I wanted to put images and words together that would be bold, reflecting the commercialization of everything but trying to make it art,” said Hoffman in a statement. “Something that is beautiful, but strong.” Openly influenced by pop artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, Hoffman continues the tradition in the modern style, creating digital paintings with an electronic pen. The result represents a marked shift from the artist’s previous, more detailed pencil work. “Which was a challenge for me,” said Hoffman. “I was trying to capture the essence of a person with three main elements: eyes, mouth and hair.”

With 11 works on display under names like “La Femme” and “Killer,” there’s a certain playful aggression in the collection, daring the viewer to lock eyes with the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor or Marilyn Monroe as they peer down from their frames with unblinking eyes and set mouths. Incorporating some collage sensibility alongside minimalist portraiture, Hoffman effectively evokes the atmosphere of high-fashion and glamour nigh synonymous with her subjects, lending a sense of scene to the whole endeavor.

On display through Jan. 29, the opening reception begins at Art Uptown Gallery tonight at 6pm with Hoffman in attendance.

Pictured: "Marilyn 4 Pop" by Janine Hoffman. Courtesy of Janine Hoffman.