Untitled (Mao/Marilyn) 

Yu Youhan provocatively paints this face, an androgynous blend, with oil on canvas. The work merges Mao Zedong, a symbol of Chinese communist authority, with Marilyn Monroe, a beacon of Western sensuality, creating a visual paradox that resonates deeply with cultural and historical tensions. The juxtaposition of Mao and Marilyn invites contemplation on the nature of iconic representation. Marilyn, elevated to secular sainthood, echoes ancient archetypes of beauty and desire, while Mao mirrors figures of paternal authority. You may recall ancient depictions of emperors and gods, or even the Madonna, symbols of an idealized version of society, a connection that reveals how societies across time and space have projected their desires and fears onto select figures. This blending acts as a lens through which we can examine the psychological undercurrents of cultural memory. This image presents a potent visual commentary on the evolving narratives of power, beauty, and cultural identity. The face may be a recurring dream, a potent symbol of humanity’s cyclical engagement with its own constructed mythologies.