
Marilyn BW

by Patrick Reiner
Title
Marilyn BW
Artist
Patrick Reiner
Medium
Digital Art - Photoshop (midjourney & Hand-drawing)
Description
This is the black and white version of the artwork, also available in color.
“Marilyn” commemorates the 61st anniversary of Marilyn Monroe’s tragic passing and is a commentary on a life that was both black and white and vividly colorful.
A magnetic portrait, it captures the enigma of the 20th-century icon with striking visual contrasts and symbolic flourishes. Painted predominantly in a monochromatic palette, this piece presents the Hollywood luminary head-on, her gaze unwavering and commanding, demanding our attention and engagement.
Her features are vividly detailed—from the inviting gaze of her eyes to the distinctive black beauty mark perched near the curve of her mouth. The intentional choice of black and white echoes the stark simplicity of yesteryears’ photography, placing the starlet in her timeless element while also underscoring the dichotomy of her life—a public image of glamour against a private struggle with vulnerability.
The rich hue of red on her lips—a beacon of vitality—symbolizes her vibrant spirit, sensuality, and the roles she is most remembered for. Paint splatters disrupt the otherwise structured portrait, alluding to the emotional palette of a life lived with technicolor intensity amidst a grayscale world. The draw she possessed is a force that continues to captivate even today.
“Marilyn” reminds us of the many facets of Marilyn Monroe—the actress, the icon, the woman—and invites us to reflect on the indelible impact she left on the world.
Uploaded
April 21st, 2024
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