"Message to the Universe" (2014) Painting by Tatiana Mcwethy

Tatiana McWethy’s “Message to the Universe” is a striking fusion of classical and cosmic imagery, blending the timeless elegance of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” with a surreal, galactic backdrop. This imaginative composition creates a dialogue between the past and the infinite, prompting reflections on art, existence, and the cosmos.
The centerpiece of the artwork is the iconic “Mona Lisa,” seamlessly integrated into a swirling, celestial scene of deep blues, blacks, and luminous star-like patterns. The cosmic environment envelops the painting, suggesting a transcendence of time and space. McWethy’s choice to juxtapose a symbol of earthly beauty and mystery against the vastness of the universe evokes existential questions about human significance, timelessness, and the nature of art.
At the bottom of the painting there is a phrase from Leonardo da Vinci’s notebook: “Costantia no comincia ma e’ quell che perservere”. This enigmatic statement adds layers of meaning—perhaps a reflection on the endurance of art and ideas versus the fleeting nature of existence. The phrase suggests the persistence of human expression, even against the backdrop of an infinite cosmos.
Tatiana McWethy’s piece can be seen as a tribute to the eternal influence of classic art while questioning the permanence of human creation in the grand scheme of the universe. The contrast between the classical and cosmic elements challenges viewers to contemplate the role of art in bridging the finite and infinite. “Message to the Universe” is a thought-provoking work that captures the imagination, blending the familiarity of a masterpiece with the vast, mysterious unknown.

Related themes

Conceptual Art