Mona Lisa

This painting marks the exact moment my internal world shifted. Originally intended as a clean, single-color portrait, the work transformed as I faced the pivotal decision to enter a legal battle for my children. I felt a sudden, uncontrollable urge to break the "stillness" of the Mona Lisa—the ultimate symbol of the quiet, obedient woman. I covered the background with lyrics and the words "Gunpowder & Gelatine"—a reflection of my state of mind: explosive potential held together by a necessary stabilizer. The halo and the devil’s tail represent the duality I felt; the saintly patience of a mother versus the fierce rebellion required to fight a system that demands we just "smile and obey." It explores the ambivalence of her expression—is she sad or smiling?—mirroring my own struggle to appear composed while boiling with the need for justice. I wanted the viewer to feel the raw energy of that transition from being a "good girl" to becoming a warrior who won’t stand down.