Mona Meets Marilyn by Eileen Shaloum; Acrylic Paint/Mixed Media; 24” x 20”. 2023

(WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- Monmouth University’s Center for the Arts is thrilled to announce a new juried exhibit featuring an extraordinary collection of reimagined artworks inspired by the iconic masterpiece, Mona Lisa. The exhibition will take place at the Pollak Gallery from June 16 to August 11, 2023 on the campus of Monmouth University.

The exhibit, titled “Mona Lisa Redefined," promises to captivate art enthusiasts with its diverse and innovative reinterpretations of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. Mona Lisa has been described as the most admired, written or sung about work of art in existence, possessing unique qualities that include the subjects mystifying expression, strong composition and delicate modelling of forms. 

Artists from various backgrounds and mediums from all over the United States and beyond have ingeniously infused their unique styles, techniques, and perspectives into their interpretations, demonstrating how this famous work continues to capture imaginations so many years after it was created. Attendees can expect to encounter an array of mediums, including paintings, drawings, mosaics,  sculpture, mixed media/collages, and more.

Mona Lisa by Ana Saura; Mixed Media; 20” x 16”. 2023

Admission is free, and all art enthusiasts, students, faculty, and the wider community are encouraged to attend and immerse themselves in this exceptional celebration of art and imagination. For more information, including gallery hours and upcoming events, please visit www.monmouth.edu/MCA or call 732.263.5715. Follow them on social media @MonmouthArts (facebook) or mu_arts (Twitter/Instagram) for regular updates and sneak peeks into the exhibition.

Pollak Gallery located adjacent to the Pollak Theatre (400 Cedar Ave, West Long Branch, NJ) features regional artists, collaborates with community organizations on special exhibitions, and exhibits the work of special needs populations. It has also hosted special exhibits from private collectors such “Three Generations of Wyeth” and exhibitions curated by the Grammy Museum in LA. A highlight of this season was a retrospective by deceased New Jersey artist Michael Malpass which drew thousands of visitors to campus. A new documentary about Michael Malpass was screened followed by art walks across campus featuring outdoor sculptures by Michael Malpass, Seward Johnson, and Brian Hanlon.

Monabunga by Gregg Hinlicky; Oil on Wood Panel; 30” x 20”. 2023