Four Marilyns Christian Riese Lassen

The composition presents a grid of four identical portraits, each depicting a woman in a stylized manner. The subjects face is centrally positioned within each square, exhibiting a characteristic expression – a slightly parted mouth and a gaze directed towards the viewer. Her hair cascades around her shoulders, rendered with broad strokes that suggest volume and movement. A prominent necklace adorns each figure’s neck; its color shifts across the four panels, contributing to the overall visual dynamism.
The most striking element is the unconventional use of color. Each portrait employs a distinct palette: one features turquoise skin tones against an orange background, another utilizes green hair and a red backdrop, while the remaining two employ variations on pink and blue hues. This deliberate chromatic distortion departs from naturalistic representation, creating a sense of artificiality and emphasizing the image’s constructed nature. The color choices are not arbitrary; they seem to evoke specific moods or associations – the turquoise panel might suggest coolness or detachment, whereas the red one conveys intensity or passion.
The repetition of the same figure across four panels generates a fragmented effect, suggesting multiple perspectives or facets of identity. This multiplication could be interpreted as an exploration of celebrity and image proliferation in mass media. The subject’s iconic status is implied through her recognizable features and the deliberate flattening of perspective, which recalls photographic reproductions.
The artists technique appears to involve bold outlines and flat planes of color, reminiscent of silkscreen printing or pop art aesthetics. This approach contributes to a sense of detachment and emphasizes the image as an object of consumption rather than a unique work of individual expression. The signature in the lower right corner is small but legible, anchoring the artwork within a specific authorship while simultaneously acknowledging its place within a broader artistic context.
Subtly, there’s a commentary on the commodification of fame and beauty. By presenting multiple versions of the same figure through artificial color schemes, the artist seems to question the authenticity of celebrity personas and their representation in popular culture. The work invites reflection on how images are constructed, disseminated, and ultimately consumed within contemporary society.