Saint Hoax
The anonymous artist reimagines some of the most famous world leaders in fabulous drag.
March 05, 2014
(Baricka O’Bisha)
As the situation continues to escalate in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin’s scowling face has been all over the media. But one depiction of Russia’s infamous leader has been a bit more fabulous than the rest.
For his new series of digital illustrations, “War Drags You Out,” artist Saint Hoax took famous images of prominent world leaders and gave them makeovers worthy of RuPaul’s Drag Race. The collection was inspired in part, the artist says, by the connection between political spectacle and drag performance.
“I picked politicians that became self-absorbed with their public image and were transformed into some sort of brand,” he explains. “I like to call it a poplitical statement.”
Beginning with Bin Laden, Saint Hoax proceeded to give drag makeovers to Hitler, Saddam Hussein, George W. Bush and even Barrack Obama. (Shantay, you stay Baricka O’Bisha.) And no, John Travolta was not involved in the naming process.
[See the full War Drags You Out series here]
Choose one in each grouping:
Drag Dictator: Madame O’ Sane, Queen Abby, Hitleria Hysteria, Vladdy Pushin
Hitleria Hysteria. The ultimate dictator in drag.
Essential Drag Makeover Accessory: headwear, eye shadow, lipstick, clothes
Eye Shadow. It’s all about the eyes.
Short Answer:
What’s your opinion of Putin? What did you think of the Olympics?
Shameful!
What reactions to this work have surprised you the most?
How sensitive people get around politics.
Do you have any upcoming dictators that you might do that you haven’t yet?
Bashar Al- Assad
What piece has received the strongest reaction?
King Abby! That piece almost got me killed.
What’s your go-to drink?
Vodka.
Are you exploring the relationship between political corruption and masculinity in this series? Or does it have less to do with gender?
Yes, somehow I am tackling the relationship between omnipotence and masculinity and how one feeds the other.
What’s a trend you wish would die?
The “Keep Calm And…” series. I detest them.
What’s one of your favorite quotes?
“I don’t want to be your idol, this pedestal is high and I’m afraid of heights”
What’s in your fridge?
Vodka.
Was there anyone you were thinking of illustrating but decided not to?
No. I refuse to censor my thoughts. That is why I chose to be pseudonymous artist.
What’s the most played song on your iPod?
“Teen Idle” by Marina & the Diamonds
What world leader do you think would make the best drag queen?
Definitely Baricka O’Bisha. She’s divine.
