Marilyn (Invitation), 1981

Andy Warhol, a leading figure in the Pop Art movement, was known for his innovative and often provocative works that blurred the boundaries between high art and popular culture. Warhol’s fascination with celebrity culture and mass media is epitomized in his iconic depictions of Marilyn Monroe, a recurring subject in his oeuvre. By reproducing Monroe’s image through various techniques, Warhol both celebrated and critiqued the commodification of fame. His use of bold colors and repetitive imagery was a commentary on the pervasive influence of consumerism and the media in modern society.

The 1981 artwork Marilyn Invitation is an offset lithograph in colors on wove paper, measuring 12 × 12 inches. Signed by Warhol in black ink, the piece includes the original invitation text in the overlap, indicating its function as an invitation for an exhibition at the Castelli Gallery, with printing by Colour Editions Inc. The artwork, with its compact size and striking imagery, exemplifies Warhol’s ability to elevate everyday objects, like an invitation, into the realm of fine art. The use of Monroe’s image, combined with the commercial context of the invitation, reinforces Warhol’s exploration of the intersection between art, commerce, and celebrity.