Heinous Innocence

I am exploring ways to equalize power between the imagery being seen, and the viewer seeing it. An image can carry immoral weight, but after a few modifications, it is not perceived in the same manner. At first glance, I want the viewer to experience a "brief chuckle", and proceed to deconstruct the proposed contradiction, thus unveiling the true meaning.

My choice of applied medium was intended to strip the subjects from their recognized power based upon the translucent quality of watercolor. Influenced by political media, and the reported corrupt qualities possessed by international political leaders, I chose to illustrate the replacement of these qualities. The subjects are categorized as some of the most heinous dictators, and I have applied a stereotypical femininity and youthfulness in their representation.

I began each piece by drawing the profile of a known tyrant, so as to study him in an anthropological manner, which reduces him to an object of examination. I then replace their "forced" power with a "pure" power of femininity, youth and innocence. By representing the dictators in this way it enables the viewer to surpass the meaning of their existence in a vulnerable state.