Mona Lisa as The Demon (All Photos By Gail)

Kiss Mona Lisa is a series of artworks in which renegade street-cum-commercial artist Mr. Brainwash gives Leonardo DaVinci’s iconic masterpiece a Glam Rock makeover. One iteration of the series was on view at the artist’s eponymous Art Museum in Beverly Hills this past December when I stopped in for a look-around.


Paul Stanley’s Star Child

The Kiss Mona Lisa series is a symphony of creativity, as each member of the legendary rock band takes his turn in Lisa’s enigmatic pose. While her Gene Simmons’ likeness is missing his signature tongue-out pose,  she looks heavenly rocking Paul Stanley’s classic Star Child eye make-up.

The Spaceman make-up made famous by original guitarist Ace Frehley (and carried on by Tommy Thayer) channels the  intergalactic vibes!

The most transformative look, for me, is Peter Criss‘ (later, drummer Eric Singer) on-stage look adding a touch of cat-like mystery to the lovely lady’s stoic visage.

If these paintings rock your world, you may want to put a visit to the Mr. Brainwash Art Museum on your radar next time you are in Los Angeles. The museum itself is a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns, mirroring the vibrant energy of the Kiss Mona Lisa series. From floor to ceiling, every inch of space is a canvas for Mr. Brainwash’s whimsical visions. The unconventional blend of street art and classical motifs creates an immersive experience that transports you into the artist’s eclectic universe.

Whether you’re a Kiss fan, an art enthusiast, or a tourist looking for something fun to do, the Mr. Brainwash Art Museum is a visually wild ride proving  that creativity — or in this case, creative appropriation — is limitless.