Project 04

Andy Warhol

Marilyn

2022-2024



In the wake of Marilyn Monroe's tragic death in 1962, Andy Warhol began what would become one of his most iconic explorations of celebrity and mechanical reproduction. Working from a publicity photograph from the 1953 film "Niagara," Warhol transformed this single promotional image into a portfolio of ten bold screenprints. Each print maintains the same composition while exploring different color combinations – from hot pink and acid green to deep blue and burnished gold.

While rooted in mechanical reproduction, each screenprint reveals subtle variations and imperfections inherent to the printing process. These "flaws" serve as reminders of the human hand in their creation, despite Warhol's famous assertion that he wanted to be a machine. The vibrant, sometimes discordant color combinations create a fascinating tension between the surface glamour of celebrity and the underlying tragedy of Monroe's life and death.

Created during a period of intense cultural change in America, these prints represent a crucial moment in Warhol's career when he was fully embracing his role as both artist and cultural commentator. 
© Greg Bergner SATop