"Masters of the Universe"

In observance of FotoFest Biennial 2020, Hooks-Epstein Galleries is proud to present photography-based works by Prince Varughese Thomas. "Masters of the Universe", by Prince Varughese Thomas, is an exhibition of portraits of top earning YouTube stars who are known as “content creators” with a substantial subscriber base earning them millions of dollars in income. The portraits that Thomas has created span the range from serious content creators who use their creativity to produce thoughtful and engaging material, to those that use their platform as a mode for absurdity or kitschy antics. Through the sea of fluff on YouTube, the platform has likewise given a voice to many of those marginalized or underrepresented communities who would not have had one otherwise. The portraits, which are appropriated from the Internet, are then integrated into famous paintings by Masters such as Rembrandt, David, or Goya, to humorously give gravitas to this cultural phenomenon.
Exhibition Dates: 
Friday, May 22, 2020 to Saturday, August 1, 2020

Portrait of Lilly Singh

Portrait of Lilly Singh, 2019, pigment print on Hahnemuhle photo rag, 20 x 20", ed. of 10

Portrait of Jeffree Star

Portrait of Jeffree Star, 2019, pigment print on Hahnemuhle photo rag, 20 x 20", ed. of 10

Portrait of Jenna Marbles

Portrait of Jenna Marbles, 2019, pigment print on Hahnemuhle photo rag, 20 x 20", ed. of 10

Portrait of Logan Paul

Portrait of Logan Paul, 2019, pigment print on Hahnemuhle photo rag, 20 x 20", ed. of 10

Portrait of Liza Koshy

Portrait of Liza Koshy, 2019, pigment print on Hahnemuhle photo rag, 20 x 20", ed. of 10

Portrait of PewDiePie

Portrait of PewDiePie, 2019, pigment print on Hahnemuhle photo rag, 20 x 20", ed. of 10

Portrait of Tana Mongeau

Portrait of Tana Mongeau, 2019, pigment print on Hahnemuhle photo rag, 20 x 20", ed. of 10

Portrait of Markiplier

Markiplier, 2019, pigment print on Hahnemuhle photo rag, 20 x 20", ed. of 10