American Icon 

Joseph Lorusso created this painting of Marilyn Monroe, likely within the last few decades, using oil on canvas. The choice of materials, and the way Lorusso handles them, speaks volumes. Oil paint has been the medium of choice for fine art for centuries, valued for its rich color and blendability. Lorusso uses these qualities to full effect, creating a hazy, dreamlike image of Monroe. Yet, the drips and splatters of paint disrupt the illusion, reminding us of the physical act of painting. Monroe herself was a manufactured icon, a product of the Hollywood studio system. Lorusso's painting acknowledges this, presenting her as both a glamorous image and a collection of brushstrokes. The work invites us to consider the relationship between image, labor, and the construction of fame. It’s not just a portrait; it's a commentary on the very nature of celebrity in a consumer culture.