From Mona to Mayhem reimagines some of history’s most iconic artworks, replacing their familiar faces with the mischievous characters of Last of the Summer Wine. By blending masterpieces like The Mona Lisa, The Scream, and The Hay Wain with this beloved Yorkshire sitcom, the collection collapses the distance between high art and everyday life. 
 
The show resonates deeply with me. Set in the landscapes near where I live, its humour, warmth, and eccentricity feel like home. I connect with its characters - their resilience, mischief, and absurdity - and by inserting them into these revered cultural landmarks, I introduce humour, personality, and a touch of chaos into spaces usually ruled by seriousness.
 
This collection isn’t just about playful parody. It’s about celebrating ordinary people, local voices, and the joy of everyday life, while challenging the conventions of art history. From Mona to Mayhem is where Yorkshire charm meets the classics, and reverence collides with irreverence.
 
In this work, Leonardo’s serene and enigmatic sitter is replaced by the formidable Nora Batty. Her steely gaze dominates the frame, contrasting sharply with Compo lurking in the background, visibly captivated. In the top-left corner, a washing line displays her large white knickers and wrinkled stockings, a subtle yet disruptive nod to everyday life. The painting juxtaposes timeless mystery with domestic absurdity, highlighting both authority and vulnerability in Nora’s presence.
 
Curator’s Note: Mystery is subverted by pragmatism; the tension between Compo’s curiosity and Nora’s stern watchfulness brings levity to the high Renaissance.