" People of my generation are used to collecting the heroic boys. And they’re used to paying a lot of money for heroic boys. I don’t make a third of what a guy would make. "
- Marilyn Minter

In her statement, Marilyn Minter points out a significant disparity in financial compensation between men and women within the art world. She notes that people often spend considerable amounts on artworks featuring male subjects who are depicted as heroic figures. Meanwhile, she implies that female artists like herself receive substantially less recognition and monetary reward for their work.

Beyond its surface-level observation about income inequality, this quote also touches on broader issues of gender bias in artistic value judgments and the commercial art market. Minter's statement highlights how societal norms can influence financial valuations in creative industries, often favoring male perspectives or imagery over those created by women. This reflects deeper cultural attitudes that undervalue contributions made by female artists, limiting their visibility and earnings potential compared to their male counterparts.

Marilyn Minter is a renowned contemporary American artist known for her provocative and often sexually charged photography and paintings. Her work frequently challenges conventional beauty standards and explores themes of power dynamics in society through the lens of gender roles. Born in 1960, she has been an influential figure in the feminist art movement, using her platform to advocate for greater equality and recognition for women artists.