From the Museum of Modern Art, I chose to compare and contrast two works entitled "Simultaneous Contrasts: Sun and Moon" and "Gold Marilyn Monroe". The prior was painted by Robert Delaney in 1913 (dated 1912) with oil on canvas. It measures 53" (134.5 cm) in diameter. The latter was painted by Andy Warhol in 1962. Mr Warhol used synthetic polymer paint and oil on 11 1/4" x 57" canvas, as well as silkscreen to create this work of art.
"Gold Marilyn Monroe" is so distinct mainly because it is stunningly simple in its composition. There is not a lot to look at, and a strangely calming sense is immediately felt upon observation due to the vivid gold. There is an image of Marilyn Monroe, smiling and looking very glamorous, in the center of the canvas. Her portrait is enclosed in a smaller square and is surrounded by the thick, powerful gold border. The representation of Marilyn is peculiarly small. This is most likely a device to immediately draw the viewer's attention to the picture, as is the powerful gold border. Marilyn Monroe is a fascinating icon of 1950's Hollywood glamour. By surrounding her picture with this overwhelming border in gold, which is a flashy and eye-catching color, the artist succeeds in re-creating the ever present glitz and glamour that surrounds her persona. However, this gold is not quite solid. Its values vary from dark to light, creating a textured and rather antiquated look. Thinking philosophically, the border itself and its differing gold values could represent the constant watch and imperfect expectations that we as a society expect from and hold against public figures.
Monroe's hair is painted a bright, unnatural looking yellow. It can be said that she represents the original 'blonde bombshell' of the early Hollywood era. Even though it's an unnatural color, this brilliant yellow shade seems to signify the epitome of a blonde. It emphasizes what she is universally recognizable for. Her skin is also painted a light, but intense shade of pink. Perhaps this is done for technical reasons; to make her image immortal. By creating this type of mood, it gives the impression that Marilyn is not only a historic and cultural figure in American, but a legend as well. By placing her directly in the middle, Warhol puts Monroe on a pedestal. She is instantly seen as someone of great importance and reputation. She is also alone in this painting. This lets us feel not only the uniqueness of her situation, but the solitude or even loneliness that celebrities all too often claim their recognition places on them. While largely painting an image that highlights and celebrates glamour, this painting, through it's composition, also effectively conveys the constraints and illusion of such glamour.
Visually very different from "Gold Marilyn Monroe" is a piece of art that toys with color on a perceptual level. "Simultaneous Contrasts: Sun and Moon" is very attractive to look at; almost peaceful like "Gold Marilyn Monroe". The colors used are very distinguished and a bit more varied, but still quite similar to those used in Warhols piece. Delaunay uses bright reds, oranges and yellows, as well as light and dark greens and blues. There are also some sporadic faint traces of pink and purple. While the colors are more balanced here than in Monroe, they are quite similar and the yellow/orange/gold color on the right is also the most prevalent and most arresting color in the piece. Here though, the colors work together to create a primal, raw, rough, wild, natural and earthy atmosphere; it is much more free than "Gold Marilyn Monroe". The juxtaposition of the natural essence of Delaunays piece with the societal essence of Warhols piece is compelling. The composition is an intricate mix of various, irregular shapes and lines. The rough, jagged looking brush strokes mixed with the smoother ones add to the unruly character of the painting. The shapes are abstract. Yet when placed together as a unit these shapes seem to be part of a bigger depiction; like we are seeing just a small portion of a much bigger picture. With it's dynamic colors and intriguing composition, the piece softly speaks to a larger story similar to the effect shown by Warhols Monroe. Another very noticeable and important element of this painting is the shape of it as a whole. It is unlike most conventional paintings in that it is spherical. Considering in the title of the pieces, the words 'sun and moon' are found, it is probable that Delaunay was referencing the actual shape of the sun and moon. Regardless, the paintings unique, strong and effective framing again makes it comparable to "Gold Marilyn Monroe" with it's big bold gold frame. Delaunay uses many different artistic techniques including color scheme and depth sensation. By using these artistic methods, a strong and mysterious narrative is effectively suggested.
"Gold Marilyn Monroe" and "Simultaneous Contrasts: Sun and Moon" both work with similar colors and unusual formatting, but in very different ways. And while speaking to us through two entirely differing artistic styles, both pieces give a comforting yet haunting impression of a story untold.
J. Killeen
Apr. '05
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