This particular painting was created specifically for an Art Competition and and open Call for Entries. The exhibit asked artists to select one of the following Master Works to remix:

Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez (1656)
Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci (1503 – 1519)
American Gothic by Grant Wood (1930)
Portrait of Madame Récamier by Jacques-Louis David (1800)

As such, the artists were asked to Reinterpret a selected scene to reflect today’s society, reflecting on the changes between society when the works were created and now. This painting is actually a combination of all four pieces, creating it's own observations of society past and present. The classical background is that of Las Meninas, however with new characters adorning Diego's chamber. Obviously the main focal point is a contemporary spin of the Portrait of Madame Recamier; with this modern day socialite being seated on the opposite side of the sofa, in a more proactive pose with modern day attire. In the corner, you will find the American Gothic couple, symbolizing past generations looking on in disapproval as they stand in front of perhaps one of the most historic images of woman . . the Mona Lisa.

Unfortunately, and with great frustration, this particular entry was refused by the exhibit committee as they felt it was it was too provocative for their particular venue unless considerable length would be added to the female figure's shorts . . . a request that was refused as a matter of artistic principal. As such, this painting was withdrawn from that particular competition and is now being made available to the public for their acceptance. Hopefully she is greeted with a greater respect for this artistic interpretation and forward thinking.

Also, as a sidenote, the price of this painting was set at the exact value of the total purse of the very exhibit it was created but ultimately omitted.

“Censorship is telling a man he can't have a steak just because a baby can't chew it.”  ― Mark Twain