Politics: Russian artists turned Putin into pop art in a new exhibition — and the photos are curious

A group of artists and Putin superfans collaborated the exhibition called "SUPERPUTIN."

A collection of artists and fans of Russian President Vladimir Putin recently opened an art exhibit dedicated to the "superhuman" qualities of their country's leader.

Titled "SUPERPUTIN," the exhibit features about 30 paintings and sculptures of the Russian leader as larger-than-life icons, including as a Roman emperor, an Olympic athlete, Santa Claus and, a superhero.

The exhibit opened last week, coincidentally on the same day Putin announced he would — unsurprisingly — seek reelection in 2018.

The hosting gallery said its aim was to illustrate Putin's positive qualities and his unique popularity in Russia. Organizer Yulia Dyuzheva told the news outlet Agence France Presse she views Putin as not only a superhero, but a super leader, a view not uncommon in Russia where the president has a remarkably high approval rating.

Take a look at some of the surreal artworks below:

There's a muscular Putin using a "Putinblaster."

Here Putin — a known dog-lover — snuggles a puppy that was gifted to him from the president of Turkmenistan.

Source: Business Insider

A heroic mini-Putin sculpture rides a bear in full body armor.

This appears to be a glamorized painting of Putin's cuddle with a Persian leopard in 2014, when he vowed to save the species.

Source: The Telegraph

Putin is shown here as a military leader, reflecting his real-life experience as an officer in the KGB.

Source: The History Channel

Several busts of the country's leader have been made in the colors of Russia's flag.

Putin is depicted as an ice hockey star.

Another painting shows Putin holding frames of smaller Putins, but it's unclear what superhuman quality this depicts.

And, finally, Putin is shown as half-man, half-superhero.

A group of artists and Putin superfans collaborated the exhibition called "SUPERPUTIN." Read Full Story