In his original painting series, designer Amit Shimoni’s Hipstory portraits re-imagine iconic world leaders as members of the youthful hipster subculture. The subjects are seen against solid pastel backgrounds with classic facial features and expressions that distinguish the historical figures. But in place of power suits, expensive haircuts and clean-shaven faces, Shimoni’s world leaders sport piercings, mustaches and edgy, youthful attire.
As such, Abraham Lincoln appears smug in a purple velour blazer with a gold chain and gold hoop earring. Nelson Mandela grins with a flattop haircut and island-patterned varsity jacket. Margaret Thatcher models a sheer tank, stacked necklaces and flyback hair that defies mainstream values.
The Hipstory series gives viewers a valuable opportunity to remember world leaders and their contributions to society with new energy. Even if they’ve passed on, the ideologies of both the beloved leaders and the disliked remain alive, and Hipstory helps us remember that.
Above: JFK
Abraham Lincoln
Margaret Thatcher
Nelson Mandela
Winston Churchill
Vladimir Lenin
Che Guevara
Mahatma Gandhi