Radical, mass production, pop-culture, new theories: these phrases have one thing in common. These ideas, beliefs and lifestyles were all fashionable and prosperous during the sixties. It was the time of original ideas, of contemporary art forms, but also of the development of modes of consumption and production. Warhol, one of the most popular artists of this era, wanted to use these ideas in his artwork. His landmark work, Golden Marilyn Monroe, was a tribute to Marilyn Monroe after her death in 1962. In addition to an artistic commemoration, this visual work is also a summary of the effects that society and popular culture have had on humanity : the masses and the notable figures of this era. Set against a gold background with a small silk print of Marilyn's face resting in the middle of the huge canvas, this piece may seem too simple to be "real art." Some, not being aware of its history or its significance, may claim: “I could do that, it’s not special at all!” » What makes this work unique, however, is not the artistic ability or the detailed landscape, but the meanings and attractions linked to this iconic image, as well as the history and the audience at the time of its release. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay To know the work, you have to know the muse herself. Marilyn Monroe was a famous actress and model in the 1940s and 1960s. She was best known as a popular "sex symbol" in the 1950s. Marilyn was the perfect example of another new invention of modern society: celebrity glorified and idolized. The viewer sees Warhol's use of colors. If you look at many works of art from the Byzantine Empire, you see many instances of almost plain golden backgrounds behind sacred figures and saints. Warhol's work on Monroe is very reminiscent of this style. The same gold elements are placed behind the image of a figurehead, almost placing Monroe in the place once occupied by the Virgin Mary. Warhol thus shows the trend toward divine statuses that our modern society has accorded to popular figures and celebrities and how they have become the new center of social worship. In addition to idolizing famous people, Warhol was also trying to portray a more personal issue of modern celebrities. Monroe carried a mark, an outward image that she would show to the world. A reputation that shields prying eyes from its true spirit. Warhol showed this characteristic in the bright colors printed on the black of the original print. The colors show the outer mask hiding the true inner colors. We must also know the ideas of the age itself. During this century, society was more mechanized than ever and mass production reached an unprecedented level. Consumers have moved from purchasing uniquely produced products from an individual seller to mass-produced items: identical in every region of the country. Socially and economically, America was becoming an identical people; unified by the merchandise they covet. Warhol showed this event in several of his paintings from this era. We see this especially in the repetitive side of his painting Campbell's Cans. But even if we don't see speed in his Gold Marilyn, we see a reference to mass production with his medium. Instead of detailed and tedious painting methods, Warhol used a method called screen printing. This method involves using silk,..