This Obamashop reminded me of the metamorphosis of Che Guevara, whose image has become an ubiquitous icon, detached from reality.

The artist (iconographer) started with this photograph.

The first step was to crank up the contrast, making his expression stark and stripping away those feminine wisps of hair and the worry line on his forehead.

Now a little more brightness and contrast, leaving the image grainy and other-worldly, as human Che becomes comic superhero.

Next the image is cropped in tight, for three very important reasons:

1. Che is emphasized.

2. Che’s companion, the object of his attention, disappears, rendering the facial expression mysterious and charging it with meaning.

3. Che’s embarrassing Thriller costume is hidden from view.

Che’s eyes are then highlighted and altered, turning his gaze from immediate, hesitant and temporary to defiant, commanding and visionary.

The star on his beret is also reinforced and enlarged.

It’s subtle, but the image is rotated just a couple degrees, balancing his features and pointing his eyes upward, as if he were plotting to overthrow the heavens.

Finally, the image is painted blood red, that bold, communist color, which neutralizes his complexion and makes the icon complete.

It’s a pretty brilliant work of propaganda, you must say.

Here’s another one I did just for fun.

I figure Nancy Pelosi is as good a subject as any:

The earrings are my favorite part.