Untitled from Marilyn Monroe
1967
As in many of Andy Warhol’s pieces, in this printmaking what stands out the most is the use of color. Warhol uses this element as a tool to give an unexpected twist to everyday images, such as his well-known Campbell’s Soup Cans, or in this case, the well-known actress Marilyn Monroe.
This is a very simple image, there are not many elements, or details, or a complex composition, or anything like that. Therefore, if it was not for the flashy colors, this image would go unnoticed as just another of the many Marilyn’s portraits. However, using these bright, uncommon colors, makes this piece look out of the ordinary. This way Warhol manages to turn it into an interesting piece and gets people’s attention with such a simple image.