Local street artist Winston Tseng recently caused a stir with his bold artwork that dubbed Vice President Kamala Harris as the “official candidate of the Philadelphia Eagles.” While Tseng admitted to creating the artwork, he denies any involvement in placing it on Philly bus stops, sparking intrigue and speculation.
Sharing a statement on Instagram, Tseng addressed the rumors surrounding his artwork, clarifying that his intention was to use brands and advertising to shed light on societal issues. Titled “Political Endorsement,” the piece playfully mocks the concept of political endorsements by mimicking the language of official sponsorships in sports.
Expressing his disdain for celebrity endorsements, Tseng questioned the significance of public figures like Hulk Hogan or corporations endorsing political candidates. He views his artwork as a satirical reflection of the current political climate, urging viewers to think critically about the influence of endorsements.
Ending his statement with a playful nod to Philadelphia’s sports culture, Tseng humorously dubbed himself the “Official Artist of the Philadelphia Eagles” and encouraged people to register to vote with a spirited “Go Birds!”
In the midst of the controversy, the Philadelphia Eagles distanced themselves from the posters, labeling them as “counterfeit political ads” and swiftly removing them with the help of their advertisement partners.
Interestingly, amidst the buzz surrounding political endorsements, music sensation Taylor Swift publicly announced her support for Harris, sparking a renewed interest in voter registration and the impact of celebrity influence on elections.
Notably, Tseng took to Instagram to clarify that his artwork predates Swift’s endorsement of Harris, hinting at the unpredictable intersections of art, politics, and celebrity culture.