Marilyn Monroe 1954

Philippe Halsman made this photograph of Marilyn Monroe using black and white film. Look at how Halsman plays with light and shadow! It’s like he’s painting with darkness, carving out her features to make her look glamorous, yet somehow vulnerable. The grainy texture of the film gives it a raw, intimate feel, almost as if we’re peeking into a private moment. Notice the way the light catches her hair, those soft curls framing her face, and then the stark contrast in the shadows under her cheekbone and neck. It’s all about contrast, a dance between what’s revealed and what’s hidden. Think of the way that light and shadow create depth and drama – it's like abstract expressionism, where feeling is more important than accuracy. It’s interesting to think about other artists who explored similar themes of celebrity and identity, like Andy Warhol with his pop art portraits, who was clearly influenced by imagery like this. Ultimately, this photograph captures Marilyn in a moment of complex emotions.