Final answer:
Andy Warhol's Gold Marilyn Monroe juxtaposes the celebrity with religious iconography, while Audrey Flack's Marilyn (Vanitas) merges symbols of feminism and the transient nature of fame. Warhol's work, particularly his use of color in his first celebrity series, enshrined Marilyn Monroe as a prominent cultural icon, showcasing her effervescent personality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Marilyn Monroe's biography is frequently explored through the lens of her impact on popular culture, as well as her representation in the arts. For instance, Andy Warhol's Gold Marilyn Monroe (1962) is pivotal in examining how celebrity figures are perceived in society. This artwork, following Monroe's tragic death, mirrors religious iconography by placing her likeness on a gold background, suggesting a comparison to a Byzantine Madonna and commenting on societal obsessions with celebrity. Similarly, Audrey Flack's series, which includes Marilyn (Vanitas), utilizes layered symbols of contemporary and historical feminism. Central to this piece is a photograph of Monroe, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of beauty and fame with high contrast, curved objects contrasting with the hard edges of a photograph of children—the rounded items reflecting light with gloss akin to the sheen of celebrity.
Warhol's portrayal of Monroe, from his first celebrity series, utilized color to bring out her personality, with multiple images displaying varied hues to express her vivacity. He emphasized her famous blond hair and red lips, creating a lasting and vibrant tribute. This intentional use of color and repetition solidified Monroe's position as an icon of popular culture and consumerism in the art world.