Andy Warhol's Marilyn Monroe embodies the essence of Pop Art, capturing the actress in all her dazzling, iconic splendour. This vibrant and kitschy portrayal of Monroe has become a defining image of late 20th-century popular culture. The series exemplifies Warhol's groundbreaking printmaking technique, which he deemed ideal for reflecting the symbols and commodities of contemporary society.
Warhol's artistic vision was deeply influenced by concepts of fame, glamour, and beauty, alongside the innovations of industrial production. Whether depicting Campbell’s soup cans or celebrities like Mick Jagger and Liz Taylor, Warhol's work consistently engaged with the themes of pop culture and his unique perspective on American industrialism. After Marilyn Monroe’s death, Warhol began his series of her portraits, using repetition to evoke mass production and the media’s intense focus on her even posthumously. This repetitive imagery highlights the dehumanising effects of celebrity culture, potentially prompting viewers to consider the person behind the public facade. Additionally, the repeated portrayal of Monroe mirrors religious iconography, where saints and martyrs are depicted with similar regularity, suggesting that Hollywood stars have become modern-day icons, revered with a fervour once reserved for traditional religious symbols.