Icons gain their meaning through our collective acceptance. The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, is shrouded in mystery. Her smile’s delicate curves and intricate details have captivated generations, eliciting interest in the enigmatic nature of her expression, where secrets and intentions remain elusive.

This interplay of perception and intrigue has inspired my Smiley series. Smiles can evoke positive emotions, improve moods, and foster social connections. From a genuine Duchenne smile that engages the eyes to a polite or awkward smile (that only involves the mouth, seen in a few Smileys with Francis Bacon’s details) each type—whether happy, nervous, angry, or ironic—reveals deeper layers of our state of mind. Smiles are the hidden gemstones or dark energies of our communication.

The exploration began by deconstructing the allure of the Mona Lisa’s smile, drawing a connection to gemstones. Even fragments of her hold the power to immerse us in her mystery.

I am fascinated by how our collective memory of iconic symbols can instantly unlock complex concepts and deep emotions. For instance, black cats symbolise both bad luck and mystery across different cultures, illustrating how a simple image can carry multiple meanings depending on cultural context. My ‘Tiki’ smile brooch represents this dichotomy. It is made from plastic, found in a two-dollar shop, and produced overseas. These seemingly innocent layers can provoke strong reactions in New Zealand, but not necessarily elsewhere.

Just as “9/11” evokes strong images and emotions beyond its numeric value, these fragments immerse us unknowingly into its complexity.