Marilyn (Vanitas) by Audrey Flack
1977, Oil over acyclic on canvas, 96 x 96 in.
Collection of the artist
Marilyn (Vanitas) is one of Audrey's more famous pieces. A few things to explain. Vanitas is a old form of symbolic painting. They did it a lot in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. It is associated with still-life painting, which is also rich in symbols. Each still-life piece usually centers around a few main themes: death, life, and pleasure. Basically, "Vanitas" refers to a visual expression of the "vanities" in life.
Tearing apart Audrey's Marilyn (Vanitas) you can assume quite a few things. First, there are a few symbols of death: the hourglass, the calendar, and the clock all refer to the passing of time. Marilyn Monroe was a sex symbol and thought to be the quintessential representation of beauty, but Flack includes lipstick, a compact, perfume, and jewellery all to show that beauty is fleeting. The fruit cut open usually is some type of symbol of death as well, as once you cut it open it will rot away eventually. The paint brush either symbolizes blood, as in death, or the fact that her life was short-lived, like an unfinished painting. The reflection of the image in the mirror is not precise, which is a visual commentary to the imperfections in Marilyn and more importantly, that beauty is not everything. Audrey also made the piece personal, as she included an image of her and her younger brother when they were young in the center of the composition.
There are a ton more symbols, but you get the idea. I guess you might be thinking, why do I love a picture filled with so many death related symbols? Well, I suppose I haven't made the good in this piece prevalent. Marilyn is a commentary on one of the most well-known icons of beauty- Marilyn Monroe. Though many thought she had it all, she died at a very young age from a probable suicide. Audrey's piece suggests that beauty is definitely short-lived and doesn't always lead to happiness. I think a lot of us, especially in today's world of plastic surgery, tend to forget this. So I loved Audrey Flack not only because her work is just amazing, but because she inspires deep thought on ideas that really matter.
Audrey Flack encourages our inner beauty.
Hey, im taking a course on Art history right now and we are just getting to Audrey Flack. found your blog via google search! nice post! :)
ReplyDeleteArt history courses are the best and so is Audrey!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the sweet comment :)
hey nice work! we're doing Audrey Flack in art history at the moment, but specifically this work, and I really found this helpful :) do you think that Flack basically used all of the iconography to represent Marilyn and her persona?
ReplyDeleteI don't think that all the iconography was chosen to specifically reference Marilyn (for example, the picture of Audrey and her brother does not), I think it was more of a decision to incorporate Marilyn into the tradition of Vanitas.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment and I am glad you found my post helpful!
thanks soooo much
ReplyDeletethe hourglass can symbolize her figure
ReplyDeleteI'm studying Audrey flack in my art a level course i just read your bio of this painting and it has given me great help, however i do ask, do you know why Audrey uses a photograph of her and her younger brother?
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post ! it was very informative. I look forward in reading more of your work. Also, I made sure to bookmark your website so I can come back later. I enjoyed every moment of reading it.Read more Kim kardashian sex tape and Mia Khalifa Sex video and Sunny Leone Sexy Movie
ReplyDeleteHealrun is a health news blog we provide the latest news about health, Drugs and latest Diseases and conditions. We update our users with health tips and health products reviews. If you want to know any information about health or health product (Side Effects & Benefits) Feel Free To ask HealRun Support Team.
ReplyDeleteSupplements For Fitness for losing weight, because it helps you absorb more nutrients from your food and makes you feel more full, which suppresses your desire to eat more.Your weight loss goals will determine the effectiveness of
ReplyDeleteThe Probiotic supplement helps to balance good bacteria and in this regard, Zenith Labs Probiotic T-50 review is creating buzz. How far is the supplement reliable and worth considering, you will come to know about it here.
ReplyDeleteInitial and foremost you wish to hunt the encouragement in connection with Where To shop for Weight Loss. Ultra Fast Pure Keto I would imagine that I could not be tragically mislead as it issues that.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.healthysuppreviews.com/ultra-fast-pure-keto-boost/
https://www.healthysuppreviews.com/keto-slim-7/
it is the time to regenerate your interest in health. here are a couple questions often requested inside the count number of wellbeing. I in reality
could deal with my health these days. now is the instant for mirrored image on the unsubstantial matters regarding well being. it's a real
dedication. veritably, The ball is for your court docket.
https://www.nutrahealthpro.com/revskin-cream/
https://www.facebook.com/nutrahealthpro/posts/205428521296949
https://twitter.com/nutrahealthpro/status/1351153448323002374
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/596867756863411059
betmatik
ReplyDeletekralbet
betpark
mobil ödeme bahis
tipobet
slot siteleri
kibris bahis siteleri
poker siteleri
bonus veren siteler
RLDQZ
شركة تنظيف بالجبيل 66RJ31LVfz
ReplyDelete<a href="https://alfahad-almotamayez.com/%d8%b4%d8%b1%d9%83%d8%a9-%d8%aa%d9
ReplyDelete