(New York, 1928-1987)

from the portfolio Marilyn Monroe, 1967, (Feldman & Schellmann II.27), stamped edition number verso 95/250, signed verso at bottom left "Andy Warhol", Factory Additions, New York, publisher, Aetna Silkscreen Products Inc., printer, screenprint in colors, 36 x 36 in. (91.44 x 91.44 cm.); pink metal frame,

Provenance: The New Gallery, Cleveland, Ohio, circa 1967, Nina Sundell and Marjorie Talalay; From the Collection of John Brett Buchanan and John Charles Walker

Note: "In August 62, I started doing silkscreens. I wanted something stronger that gave more of an assembly line effect. With silkscreening you pick a photograph, blow it up, transfer it in glue onto silk, and then roll ink across it so the ink goes through the silk but not through the glue. That way you get the same image, slightly different each time. It was all so simple quick, and chancy. I was thrilled with it. When Marilyn Monroe happened to die that month, I got the idea to make screens of her beautiful face the first Marilyns." - Andy Warhol

Warhol lifted his iconic image from a publicity image taken while Marilyn was working on the 1953 box office hit Niagara.

The collection of John Charles Walker (j.Charles) and John Brett Buchanan reflects five decades of influence in design education and contemporary art. Both are professors emeritus from Kent State University, where j.Charles was hired in 1964 to establish the university’s first graphic design program. Over 38 years, he built it into a nationally respected discipline and later became the founding director of the School of Visual Communication Design. He also developed innovative summer programs in the U.S. and Europe featuring leading designers. Buchanan contributed as a professor, leading internship placements and managing Glyphix, a student-run design studio founded by Walker. Together, they secured major grants and corporate support from companies such as Apple Inc., Quark Inc., and Adobe Inc., while also operating a successful design firm serving Fortune 500 clients. Their work earned over 250 design awards. Their art collection includes works by regional, national, and international artists, notably early acquisitions of Andy Warhol and Christo. Their legacy continues through endowments supporting design students and professionals.

Literature: Frayda Feldman, Jörg Schellmann, Claudia Defendi. Andy Warhol Prints. A catalogue raisonné 1962-1987, New York 2003, no. II.27.