Florida-based artist Scott Scheidly is making people rethink iconic portraits with his new exhibit 'The Pinks.' The series redoes overused masculine images in shades of pink and purple. Subjects include Mr. T, Che Guevara, Abe Lincoln, Spock and Chewbacca. The series also includes what appears to be a holy hand grenade featuring Jesus. I can only assume that’s a Monty Python and the Holy Grail reference.
The Pinks is currently on display at the Spoke Art Gallery in San Francisco. These redesigned iconic portraits are intended to explore the meaning of color choice and societal implications of what it means to be masculine. Scheidly posits these preconceived notions can go as far to alter one’s identity, in addition to one’s worldview on homosexuality.
Feminized Male Icon Portraits
Scheidly Uses Iconic Images to Examine Masculinity
Trend Themes
1. Masculinity Reimagined - Artists are exploring gender norms and societal implications of traditionally masculine images, offering new perspectives and opportunities for brands to disrupt gender roles.
2. Color as a Gender Construct - The use of traditionally feminine colors to reimagine masculine figures creates a platform for products to push beyond gendered branding strategies and appeal to consumers across the spectrum.
3. Identity and Perception - Artistic explorations of masculinity and femininity prompt an exciting opportunity for brands to engage with consumers seeking to challenge societal assumptions and transform their self-perception.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - Brands can leverage artistic movements and unconventional creative techniques to offer disruptive branding strategies that push beyond gender stereotypes and challenge preconceived notions of masculinity.
2. Fashion and Beauty - The use of new color palettes and unusual color pairings, as seen in these reimagined masculine portraits, can inspire fashion and beauty brands to create gender-bending products that appeal to consumers seeking to express themselves beyond traditional gender norms.
3. Social Justice and Advocacy - As these portraits challenge societal norms around gender, businesses can leverage culturally progressive platforms to communicate their own values and build stronger relationships with consumers committed to social change.