Georgia Buchette (1946)
Artist Saint Hoax has an eyebrow-raising project titled ‘War Drags You Out’ in which world leaders and dictators are depicted as drag queens.
The series features animated GIFs of prominent political figures like Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin, George W. Bush and Kim Jong Un being dolled up with over-the-top makeup and glitzy costumes. They are set against bright pop art backgrounds and have fabulous stage names like “Vladdy Pushin” and “Baricka O’Bisha.”
Inspired after attending a drag show for the first time, the artist likened drag queens to politicians, explaining that both share similarities such as a “flamboyant name”, “fierce persona” and “a trademark feature,” and that both are expected to perform and entertain.
The project initially began with a painting of former deceased dictator Osama bin Laden but after receiving 70 death threats and having the painting destroyed at Kabul International Airport, Saint Hoax decided to turn it into a series of digital illustrations instead.
In an interview with The Huffington Post, the artist said, “The ‘War Drags You Out’ project is a mere reflection of the current political situation that has taken its toll not only on the Arab region, but also on the entire world.”
Saint Hoax also stressed that the illustrations should be viewed with humor and are not meant to ruffle political feathers, saying, “I want my artwork to become a constant reminder that the idolized leaders are merely performers in drag – My art is purely ‘POPlitical’ rather than political.”
Do you think the project is apt cultural commentary or is it politically offensive?
Scroll down to view more images of world leaders as you’ve never seen them before and head over to the artist’s website to learn more.
Hitleria Hysteria (1889 – 1945)
Madame O’ Sane (1937 – 2006)
Georgia Buchette (1946)
Vladdy Pushin’ (1952)
Baricka O’Bisha (1961)
Kimmy Jungle (1983)
[via The Huffington Post, GIFs via Saint Hoax]