Merseyside artist Alex Corina’s ‘Mona Lennon’ was the iconic image from Liverpool Capital of Culture 2008 – now he has recreated it to help Ukrainian refugees. Tony McDonough
Artist Alex Corina’s Mona Lennon was one of the most memorable images from Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture year in 2008.
Now Alex has recreated his iconic work to raise money for Ukrainian refugees in the city. He originally painted Mona Lennon in 2003 to support Liverpool’s Capital of Culture bid.
“Two huge images of the painting were displayed across St George’s Hall as the culture judges stepped off the train at Lime Street station in 2003 – it was the proudest moment of my professional career,” said Alex.
“John Lennon championed the anti-war movement during the time of the Vietnam War and his message still stands today.”
Alex’s new painting – Imagine: Peace in Ukraine – is unveiled in Liverpool this week just a few hundred yards from John Lennon’s first family home in Newcastle Road. The former Beatle lived until the age of five.
He added: “I want to support the local work being carried for people from Ukraine by donating some of the profits from this print to local organisations working with refugees.
“I will be supporting Refugee Women Connect set up to support women of all nationalities who are asylum seekers, refugees and survivors of trafficking over the next couple of months.
“Liverpool is now host to hundreds of Ukrainian refugees resettled through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme and Ukraine Family Scheme. Merseyside has a long history of opening its arms and heart to refugees and I want to continue in that proud tradition.”
This latest artwork will be launched at Bean There coffee shop on Penny Lane between 6pm and 8pm on Wednesday, May 10. It will sit alongside his exhibition of Sefton Park paintings which were completed in 2022 to celebrate Sefton Park’s 150th anniversary.
They include the park’s iconic Palm House, Eros Fountain, Iron Bridge and famous Victorian bandstand.
Alex explains, “During lockdown and throughout the pandemic, I started the day with an early morning walk in the park. Painting became my therapy, Sefton Park my inspiration, and the latest work the result.
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“I want to support Ukraine but locally, by donating 20% of the profits from the prints to organisations working with refugees.”
Now Alex also wants to take Imagine: Peace in Ukraine on a tour around independent coffee shops in Merseyside.
We’re hoping to take ‘’ on tour around Merseyside, maybe taking in some of the area’s wonderful independent coffee shops and maybe some other locations where you wouldn’t expect to see a work of art proclaiming the message of peace.”