Joe's Politicians, by Mendelson Joe. (ECW Press), 64 pg

Twenty bright full-page portraits (16 subjects) on thick glossy stock with accompanying written summaries make up this rather quick flip of a book. Scathing would be a mild description, as infamous office holders like Stockwell Day (looking quite at home donning a KKK hat) and George Bush Sr. (sporting horns and a forked tongue) get the treatment. And those are of the mild, political cartoon variety.

The heart of this series is the Butt Rushmore quartet: Chrétien, Mulroney, Clinton and good old Preston Manning. It's remarkable how instantly recognizable these rumps are. Joe's childlike, primary coloured, paint-by-numbers technique (think Edvard Munch's The Scream) is suited perfectly for the project, creating an inviting, coffee table aura that is subversively mischievous, if not outright grotesque in spots. Brian Mulroney is decidedly at the top of Joe's loathing list - let's just say spaghetti is involved and it isn't pretty. Still, it is a tamer, more mature vision of Mulroney whom Joe first immortalized ejaculating into the Canadian flag. There's no beating around the bush with Joe, unless it's tackling the father and son clan south of the border.

Slipped in among the assholes are three straight portraits of admired public servants: Barbara Hall, Carolyn Parrish and the late Richard Thomas. Beautifully rendered and capturing a dignified presence, these give the book a nice balance of Joe's views of right and wrong. A long-time activist and multimedia artists, Mendelson Joe pulls no punches with his righteous work, but is also a staunch supporter of honest politicians. The lines are drawn pretty black and white, except that Joe splashes them with a wild rainbow of colours.

It's, uh, perfect cheeky bathroom reading, if you will.
 
 

		Write your comment on this article!

Unbelievable     I had never heard of Mendelson Joe until watching a rerun of Rick Mercer, my favorite Canadian celebrity. The world needs more Rick Mercer and Mendelson Joe. I loved his portraits of the asshole politicians. Especially the asshole Brian Mulroney. Rick Mercer also a had a portrait of Chretian entitled Piece of Shit in a Suit. I have never laughed so hard. I think if politicians looked at these portraits and what people actually think of them maybe they would clean up their act. But then again, they are probably to arrogant to think that they are doing anything wrong. I would love to see his work on George Bush. A true asshole. All I can say is Mendelson Joe keep up the awesome work. My new second favorite Canadian celebrity.
Josie Gunner		September 6th, 2008

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