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In the market for some new art to adorn your walls? How about a painting of Boris Johnson as a bumblebee? Yes, really. The bumbling former Mayor of London and current Foreign Secretary has been reimagined as part man, part insect as part of a collection titled 'Celebrity Beasts' by Chelsea-based artist Caroline Sykes. Though that recognisable tuft of blonde hair remains, his usual suited attire has been replaced by the body of a bumblebee.
Sykes turned her hand to painting as a way of raising awareness of the decline in the bee population, through her paintings of the insects. But it's her reimagining of celebrities that caught our attention. Other recognisable faces who have undergone a Kafka-esque metamorphosis include Russell Brand as a sharp-pincered scorpion, Stephen Fry as a majestic stag, Prince Harry as a playful orangutan and Kate Moss as an elegant butterfly.
She said: 'Of the 13 celebrities depicted, most I knew instantly which particular creature they'd be. Of course, I could only really go by the physical and mental image they presented to the public, as I didn't know any of them personally.' But she hopes her celebrity subjects will be flattered by her depictions.
If you fancy getting your hands on one of these paintings, the collection is being auctioned off at The Salon above L'Escargot Restaurant in Soho, with 20 percent of the proceeds going to charities Seeing is Believing and the Invictus Games Foundation.
Caroline Sykes
Caroline Sykes
Caroline Sykes
Caroline Sykes
The auction is at L'Escargot, 48 Greek St, Soho, W1D 4EF, November 22-24.
See more of Caroline Sykes' artwork on her website.