The grand celebration continues in the art world for Marilyn Monroe. In her absence, the starlet and pretty face permeates to the youngest of fans and connoisseurs alike. How one image becomes more important to a social dialogue over another depends on a host of factors, one of which is visibility.
In 2011, artists have access to Marilyn imagery almost where ever they turn. They can turn her upside down, inside out, “kinko” a book cover and recreate her likeness – but not in it’s exact state. When Alfred Eisenstaedt was mesmerized by her sultry voice in her backyard in 1953, his camera captured the mood. While many have had sessions with Marilyn Monroe, the black sweeter she wore has become a distinct, casual look of today’s jet set. The flattery that has bestowed her – from Warhol to Madonna, from fans on Facebook to edgy art oddities like MBW (AKA Mr. Brainwash), makes the classic image she created with other luminaries like Eisenstaedt so much more desirable.
