// Workers AI · dad joke modeIs Alex Corina a good baker? He kneads the dough.
 | This article needs to be updated. (April 2023) |
Alexander John Corina, known as Alex Corina (born 10 October 1950 in Bradford), is an artist and community worker based in Garston, Liverpool.
Alex Corina was born in Bradford, where he attended Buttershaw Comprehensive School and Bradford College of Art. He moved in 1986 to Liverpool, where he worked as a civil servant for the Drugs Prevention and Community Safety Unit. Corina is known in Liverpool for his picture the Mona Lennon which features the Mona Lisa, John Lennon and the Liverpool waterfront in the background. It is a work that aims to represent Liverpool's past, present and future.[1]
Corina became a full-time artist following the success of Mona Lennon in 2003. He has exhibited work in Liverpool, Bradford, Leeds and Keele, particularly in the period leading up to Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture year in 2008.[2]
In 2007, Corina was named as one of Bradford College's 175 heroes as a celebration of 175 years providing education and training in Bradford.[3]
Corina is one of the leaders behind the idea of Garston Cultural Village, which is a campaign to encourage redevelopment in Garston. On 31 May 2008, Garston declared 'Cultural Independence' at the Garston Embassy, formerly The Wellington School.
His work is described as expressionist in style, often combining pastel and acrylic techniques to depict scenes from Liverpool’s cultural and urban environment.[2] Corina has continued to produce work associated with Liverpool’s cultural identity, including new versions of Mona Lennon and projects linked to community and cultural initiatives in the city.[4]
In 2022, Corina recreated his Mona Lennon artwork as part of a project linked to Liverpool’s Eurovision events, with proceeds supporting local initiatives assisting Ukrainian refugees. He also exhibited a series of paintings depicting Sefton Park to mark the park’s 150th anniversary.[5]
Politics
[edit]Corina's father Joe Corina, described by Bob Cryer MP as 'a well-known orator in Bradford', fostered his interest in Politics.[citation needed] When Between 1980 and 1983 Alex was elected to Bradford City Council as a Labour Councillor for Wibsey Ward.[citation needed]
On 5 August 1983, after leading the National Union of Public Employees' Bradford Health Service Branch during the health workers' dispute of 1981–82, Corina led the Thornton View Hospital Occupation campaigning against the closure of the 82 bed long-stay geriatric hospital as branch secretary. The occupation lasted for over 2 years and was one of the longest ever hospital occupations.[3]
On 3 May 2007, Corina stood for election as a City Councillor for the ward of Cressington, as an Independent, in the Liverpool Council election, 2007. He gained 316 votes.[citation needed]
References
[edit]- ↑ "artworksinliverpool". Archived from the original on 5 October 2008. Retrieved 25 May 2008.
- 1 2 Gallery (16 November 2021). "In the Studio: Alex Corina • dot-art". dot-art. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- 1 2 Bradford College of Art 175 heroes
- ↑ Grundy, Chris (9 May 2023). "'Mona Lennon' painting from Liverpool's Capital of Culture re-IMAGINE-ed for Eurovision". The Guide Liverpool. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ Grundy, Chris (9 May 2023). "'Mona Lennon' painting from Liverpool's Capital of Culture re-IMAGINE-ed for Eurovision". The Guide Liverpool. Retrieved 3 April 2026.
External links
[edit]- Republic of Garston becomes a reality 22 May 2008
- Review: Bin there, done that; ALEX CORINA, Liverpool Echo, 22 June 2004
- North West: Culture shock? by Lucy Breakwell, BBC News North West, 20 May 2005
- Arts Diary: Garston turns into a village of culture; A craft centre and art workshops are to open by Philip Key reports, Daily Post (Liverpool, England), 21 July 2005