This piece reimagines the timeless Mona Lisa through a contemporary graphic lens, distilling her presence into bold lines, flat colors, and deliberate minimalism. The classical posture remains recognizable, yet her identity is reduced — almost anonymized — into a 2D form, symbolizing how icons are flattened and repurposed in modern visual culture.

The most striking feature of this work is the red tears flowing from her eyes — a visceral expression of internal pain. These tears speak to a deeper narrative: a commentary on unresolved global suffering, the ongoing corruption of humanity, and the absence of true peace. Though centuries have passed since da Vinci's original, the core human anguish endures. By placing her in a contemporary context, this work challenges viewers to confront how little has changed beneath the surface of time and progress.

This painting is part of a work-in-progress series that will eventually comprise 10 pieces, each exploring Mona Lisa’s imagined life in the 21st century. Together, the series seeks to reflect on identity, resilience, and the burdens of historical legacy in an age of image saturation and moral erosion.

Below are the digitally illustrated copies that will be translated into painting.