Most art movements are defined by their greatest artists. Cubism is forever linked to Picasso, for example, and surrealism is synonymous with Dalí.
The great art movement of the 21st century is photoshopping images of random celebrities into unusual situations. And the movement’s greatest artiste is Coldwar Steve.
McFadden’s Cold War
Steve operates under the Twitter account ‘McFadden’s Cold War’. Whereas storytellers of yore harkened back to characters from Greek myth, Steve uses more modern archetypes:
Manhair pic.twitter.com/It7WmWZ0q2
— Cold War Steve (@coldwarsteve) April 24, 2018
His pictures combine the three things that all high art should contain:
- Striking imagery.
- Powerful visual metaphors.
- Eastenders’ Phil Mitchell.
The royal wedding has allowed Steve to produce some of his finest work yet. Like these, which capture the core attributes of British culture – grace and strength:
The reception pic.twitter.com/I5SgHOsFGX
— Cold War Steve (@coldwarsteve) May 13, 2018
First dance pic.twitter.com/uYoK0JmRVm
— Cold War Steve (@coldwarsteve) May 16, 2018
These next images capture the plucky British spirit:
https://twitter.com/Coldwar_Steve/status/995798967052046336
Hen party pic.twitter.com/SGWPnWOPJg
— Cold War Steve (@coldwarsteve) May 14, 2018
Stag do pic.twitter.com/viDmMgIdSX
— Cold War Steve (@coldwarsteve) May 14, 2018
In this next one, notice how the eye is drawn to Toadfish from Neighbours:
The arrival of foreign dignitaries pic.twitter.com/ICiDJnbnXg
— Cold War Steve (@coldwarsteve) May 18, 2018
Other pieces capture the joy of Britain’s most celebrated traditions – buffets and piss-ups:
The buffet pic.twitter.com/lQSAuCZzOy
— Cold War Steve (@coldwarsteve) May 14, 2018
Speeches pic.twitter.com/Krmm85hVik
— Cold War Steve (@coldwarsteve) May 15, 2018
That long bit between the afternoon meal and evening disco. pic.twitter.com/L5XnuDxujp
— Cold War Steve (@coldwarsteve) May 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/Coldwar_Steve/status/997233459964858369
Street party selfie pic.twitter.com/rlmrdLY7bA
— Cold War Steve (@coldwarsteve) May 18, 2018
In this piece, Prince Philip is surprised to find a man sleeping in the buffet. It’s clearly a very powerful metaphor. And although it’s unclear what it’s a metaphor of, that does nothing to diminish from its power:
The morning after – guests go down for breakfast pic.twitter.com/tlK0EJuwbE
— Cold War Steve (@coldwarsteve) May 17, 2018
Other pieces show the camaraderie of modern Brits and our allies:
Crowds begin to gather pic.twitter.com/ajvA8xTJNM
— Cold War Steve (@coldwarsteve) May 18, 2018
Greeting the crowds pic.twitter.com/ZituT5h0qW
— Cold War Steve (@coldwarsteve) May 19, 2018
And of course the big day itself:
Guests arrive at church pic.twitter.com/W0RLenNz6a
— Cold War Steve (@coldwarsteve) May 19, 2018
— Cold War Steve (@coldwarsteve) May 19, 2018
— Cold War Steve (@coldwarsteve) May 19, 2018
While others have a more serious message. Like this piece:
The newlyweds go up to their hotel room. pic.twitter.com/7PtslBUVsz
— Cold War Steve (@coldwarsteve) May 16, 2018
Which clearly warns of the dangers of Mick Hucknall.
More
You’ll be glad to know that Steve’s work is likely to continue beyond the royal wedding. As such, you can expect more fine art like this:
— Cold War Steve (@coldwarsteve) May 9, 2018
Get Involved!
– Follow McFadden’s Cold War on Twitter.
– You can also support The Canary.
Featured image via screengrabs / Garry Knight – Wikimedia
