Billy Gay Doll · Queer Art Toys & Collectibles | IMAGO DEI https://imagodei.es/category/shop/art-toys/billy-gay-doll/ Fine Art Gallery Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:58:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://imagodei.es/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cropped-Imago-Dei2-1-32x32.jpg Billy Gay Doll · Queer Art Toys & Collectibles | IMAGO DEI https://imagodei.es/category/shop/art-toys/billy-gay-doll/ 32 32 Tyson (Billy) “BPS Delivery/Stock Boy ( 1999 )” https://imagodei.es/shop/bps-delivery-stock-guy-tyson/ Wed, 03 Sep 2025 16:05:07 +0000 https://imagodei.es/?post_type=product&p=42352 Material:
High Quality Vinyl (PVC)

Edition:
Limited Edition

Dimensions: ​
30 x 8 x 5 cm ( Art Toy )
32 x 10 x 7 cm ( Original Box Included )

Provenance: ​
Private collection

La entrada Tyson (Billy) <br>“BPS Delivery/Stock Boy ( 1999 )” se publicó primero en IMAGO DEI.

]]> BPS delivery/Stock Boy Tyson (Billy)

This art toy titled “BPS Delivery/Stock Guy Tyson” (Reference MF279) was released in 2001 and made of high-quality vinyl (PVC). The figure stands 30 cm tall, with overall dimensions of 32 × 10 × 7 cm including its original box, and is preserved in good condition. It is part of the series Billy, The World’s First Out and Proud Gay Doll, a pioneering project in collectible culture and LGBTQ+ representation at the turn of the 21st century.

This version of Tyson is known both as the “Delivery Guy” and the “Stock Guy.” The naming depends on the source or catalog. He wears a uniform with an open shirt, short trousers, and a belt. The design highlights his muscular body and gives the figure a playful, sensual look. The small box marked “TOTEM International LTD” underlines the collectible nature of the toy.

John McKitterick & Juan Andrés

In the late 1980s, amidst London’s tense political climate under Margaret Thatcher and the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic, artists John McKitterick and Juan Andres began an ambitious collaboration that merged art, politics, and sexuality. Together, they conceived Billy not merely as an artwork, but as a cultural statement — a symbol of pride, visibility, and resistance.

McKitterick and Andres envisioned Billy as a conceptual project from the very beginning: a work that could exist simultaneously within the realms of contemporary art and popular culture. Every aspect was premeditated — from the initial sculpture to future exhibitions, books, films, music, and products — all intended to spread a message of diversity and awareness beyond the traditional art world.

When Billy was first exhibited in 1994 at The Freedom Gallery in Soho, the response was immediate and polarizing. The duo’s creation was celebrated internationally, applauded for its courage and creativity, and criticized by more conservative audiences, which only reinforced its visibility and relevance.

Three years later, McKitterick and Andres transformed their artistic vision into a mass-produced object: Billy – The World’s First Out and Proud Gay Doll. What began as a provocative sculpture became a global icon, sold in hundreds of stores, dressed by designers like Alexander McQueen, and exhibited in major institutions such as the Andy Warhol Museum, the Science Museum in London, and The New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York.

Through Billy, McKitterick and Andres succeeded in transcending artistic boundaries, creating one of the first cultural bridges between queer identity and mainstream visibility. Their work stands as a testament to how art can embody resistance, inspire dialogue, and transform social consciousness.

La entrada Tyson (Billy) <br>“BPS Delivery/Stock Boy ( 1999 )” se publicó primero en IMAGO DEI.

]]> Carlos (Billy) “Drag Queen Carlos ( 1999 )” https://imagodei.es/shop/carlos-billy-drag-queen-carlos-1999/ Fri, 20 Jun 2025 10:01:05 +0000 https://imagodei.es/?post_type=product&p=42033 Material:
High Quality Vinyl (PVC)

Edition:
Limited Edition

Dimensions: ​
30 x 8 x 5 cm ( Art Toy )
32 x 10 x 7 cm ( Original Box Included )

Provenance: ​
Private collection

La entrada Carlos (Billy) <br>“Drag Queen Carlos ( 1999 )” se publicó primero en IMAGO DEI.

]]> Drag Queen Carlos

Wearing a dazzling red polka-dot flamenco-inspired dress with bright yellow ruffles, bold bracelets, and a headpiece adorned with faux fruit, Drag Queen Carlos (1999) is pure stage presence. With red lips, confident gaze, and an unapologetically fierce pose, he celebrates performance, tradition, and transformation all at once. Half glamour, half folklore, and 100% empowerment, this Carlos is not just dressed to impress—he’s dressed to disrupt.

Released in 1999, Drag Queen Carlos marked one of the most daring moments in the Billy universe. Fusing the legacy of Latinx drag, carnival aesthetics, and queer celebration, this figure honors the cultural intersections of gender performance and artistic resistance. He’s a love letter to Carmen Miranda, to ballroom, to flamenco queens—and to every performer who’s ever turned pain into spectacle.

John McKitterick & Juan Andrés

In the late 1980s, amidst London’s tense political climate under Margaret Thatcher and the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic, artists John McKitterick and Juan Andres began an ambitious collaboration that merged art, politics, and sexuality. Together, they conceived Billy not merely as an artwork, but as a cultural statement — a symbol of pride, visibility, and resistance.

McKitterick and Andres envisioned Billy as a conceptual project from the very beginning: a work that could exist simultaneously within the realms of contemporary art and popular culture. Every aspect was premeditated — from the initial sculpture to future exhibitions, books, films, music, and products — all intended to spread a message of diversity and awareness beyond the traditional art world.

When Billy was first exhibited in 1994 at The Freedom Gallery in Soho, the response was immediate and polarizing. The duo’s creation was celebrated internationally, applauded for its courage and creativity, and criticized by more conservative audiences, which only reinforced its visibility and relevance.

Three years later, McKitterick and Andres transformed their artistic vision into a mass-produced object: Billy – The World’s First Out and Proud Gay Doll. What began as a provocative sculpture became a global icon, sold in hundreds of stores, dressed by designers like Alexander McQueen, and exhibited in major institutions such as the Andy Warhol Museum, the Science Museum in London, and The New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York.

Through Billy, McKitterick and Andres succeeded in transcending artistic boundaries, creating one of the first cultural bridges between queer identity and mainstream visibility. Their work stands as a testament to how art can embody resistance, inspire dialogue, and transform social consciousness.

La entrada Carlos (Billy) <br>“Drag Queen Carlos ( 1999 )” se publicó primero en IMAGO DEI.

]]> Carlos (Billy) “Santa Carlos ( 1998 )” https://imagodei.es/shop/carlos-billy-santa-carlos-1998/ Fri, 20 Jun 2025 09:58:52 +0000 https://imagodei.es/?post_type=product&p=42031 Material:
High Quality Vinyl (PVC)

Edition:
Limited Edition

Dimensions: ​
30 x 8 x 5 cm ( Art Toy )
32 x 10 x 7 cm ( Original Box Included )

Provenance: ​
Private collection

La entrada Carlos (Billy) <br>“Santa Carlos ( 1998 )” se publicó primero en IMAGO DEI.

]]> Santa Carlos

Draped in a plush, velvet-red Santa suit with white trim, open chest, and holiday shorts, Santa Carlos (1998) brings festive flair with unapologetic sensuality. His black belt cinches the waist just enough, while his classic Santa hat tilts playfully to the side. Boots on, shirt off—this is a seasonal icon who redefines what holiday cheer looks like. Masculine, magnetic, and full of queer charisma, Carlos transforms the North Pole fantasy into a runway of desire.

Released in 1998, Santa Carlos was part of a bold holiday expansion in the Billy universe. More than just a holiday novelty, he embodies the playful spirit of queer celebration, subverting the classic Santa trope with joy, confidence, and a wink. This figure became a cult favorite among collectors, combining Christmas camp with cultural representation.

John McKitterick & Juan Andrés

In the late 1980s, amidst London’s tense political climate under Margaret Thatcher and the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic, artists John McKitterick and Juan Andres began an ambitious collaboration that merged art, politics, and sexuality. Together, they conceived Billy not merely as an artwork, but as a cultural statement — a symbol of pride, visibility, and resistance.

McKitterick and Andres envisioned Billy as a conceptual project from the very beginning: a work that could exist simultaneously within the realms of contemporary art and popular culture. Every aspect was premeditated — from the initial sculpture to future exhibitions, books, films, music, and products — all intended to spread a message of diversity and awareness beyond the traditional art world.

When Billy was first exhibited in 1994 at The Freedom Gallery in Soho, the response was immediate and polarizing. The duo’s creation was celebrated internationally, applauded for its courage and creativity, and criticized by more conservative audiences, which only reinforced its visibility and relevance.

Three years later, McKitterick and Andres transformed their artistic vision into a mass-produced object: Billy – The World’s First Out and Proud Gay Doll. What began as a provocative sculpture became a global icon, sold in hundreds of stores, dressed by designers like Alexander McQueen, and exhibited in major institutions such as the Andy Warhol Museum, the Science Museum in London, and The New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York.

Through Billy, McKitterick and Andres succeeded in transcending artistic boundaries, creating one of the first cultural bridges between queer identity and mainstream visibility. Their work stands as a testament to how art can embody resistance, inspire dialogue, and transform social consciousness.

La entrada Carlos (Billy) <br>“Santa Carlos ( 1998 )” se publicó primero en IMAGO DEI.

]]> Carlos (Billy) “Vacation Carlos ( 1998 )” https://imagodei.es/shop/carlos-billy-vacation-carlos-1998/ Fri, 20 Jun 2025 09:55:57 +0000 https://imagodei.es/?post_type=product&p=42029 Material:
High Quality Vinyl (PVC)

Edition:
Limited Edition

Dimensions: ​
30 x 8 x 5 cm ( Art Toy )
32 x 10 x 7 cm ( Original Box Included )

Provenance: ​
Private collection

La entrada Carlos (Billy) <br>“Vacation Carlos ( 1998 )” se publicó primero en IMAGO DEI.

]]> Vacation Carlos

Relaxed, confident, and effortlessly stylish, Vacation Carlos (1998) is the ultimate getaway fantasy. Wearing a red tank top with the cheeky text “Nobody Knows I’m Your Boyfriend,” a plaid short-sleeve shirt, beige shorts, and brown sandals, he radiates casual charm with a subversive wink. His laid-back style is balanced by thoughtful details—from the visible chest hair to the socks-with-sandals touch—celebrating queer joy in everyday moments.

Carlos, introduced in 1998 as part of the extended Billy universe, was a landmark moment in LGBTQ+ doll history—bringing greater representation and cultural nuance. Vacation Carlos embodies the idea that pride doesn’t pause when you’re off duty. Whether by the beach or strolling through the city, he reminds us that rest and visibility can go hand in hand.

John McKitterick & Juan Andrés

In the late 1980s, amidst London’s tense political climate under Margaret Thatcher and the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic, artists John McKitterick and Juan Andres began an ambitious collaboration that merged art, politics, and sexuality. Together, they conceived Billy not merely as an artwork, but as a cultural statement — a symbol of pride, visibility, and resistance.

McKitterick and Andres envisioned Billy as a conceptual project from the very beginning: a work that could exist simultaneously within the realms of contemporary art and popular culture. Every aspect was premeditated — from the initial sculpture to future exhibitions, books, films, music, and products — all intended to spread a message of diversity and awareness beyond the traditional art world.

When Billy was first exhibited in 1994 at The Freedom Gallery in Soho, the response was immediate and polarizing. The duo’s creation was celebrated internationally, applauded for its courage and creativity, and criticized by more conservative audiences, which only reinforced its visibility and relevance.

Three years later, McKitterick and Andres transformed their artistic vision into a mass-produced object: Billy – The World’s First Out and Proud Gay Doll. What began as a provocative sculpture became a global icon, sold in hundreds of stores, dressed by designers like Alexander McQueen, and exhibited in major institutions such as the Andy Warhol Museum, the Science Museum in London, and The New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York.

Through Billy, McKitterick and Andres succeeded in transcending artistic boundaries, creating one of the first cultural bridges between queer identity and mainstream visibility. Their work stands as a testament to how art can embody resistance, inspire dialogue, and transform social consciousness.

La entrada Carlos (Billy) <br>“Vacation Carlos ( 1998 )” se publicó primero en IMAGO DEI.

]]> BILLY “Cop Billy ( brunette hair )” https://imagodei.es/shop/billy-cop-billy-brunette-hair/ Fri, 20 Jun 2025 09:53:56 +0000 https://imagodei.es/?post_type=product&p=42028 Material:
High Quality Vinyl (PVC)

Edition:
Limited Edition

Dimensions: ​
30 x 8 x 5 cm ( Art Toy )
32 x 10 x 7 cm ( Original Box Included )

Provenance: ​
Private collection

La entrada BILLY <br>“Cop Billy ( brunette hair )” se publicó primero en IMAGO DEI.

]]> Cop Billy ( Brunette hair )

Wearing a perfectly tailored dark navy police uniform, black tie, matching boots, and cap, Cop Billy (Brunette Hair) channels authority, drama, and fetish fantasy in equal measure. His baton rests at the ready, but his expression is more playful than stern—this is a figure who knows how to take control with style.

Cop Billy draws from the rich iconography of uniform fetish culture, long celebrated in queer nightlife and visual art. This brunette edition pays tribute to the power dynamics and roleplay themes central to queer expression, while subtly queering the concept of order, protection, and control. A classic among collectors, he’s part protector, part provocation.

John McKitterick & Juan Andrés

In the late 1980s, amidst London’s tense political climate under Margaret Thatcher and the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic, artists John McKitterick and Juan Andres began an ambitious collaboration that merged art, politics, and sexuality. Together, they conceived Billy not merely as an artwork, but as a cultural statement — a symbol of pride, visibility, and resistance.

McKitterick and Andres envisioned Billy as a conceptual project from the very beginning: a work that could exist simultaneously within the realms of contemporary art and popular culture. Every aspect was premeditated — from the initial sculpture to future exhibitions, books, films, music, and products — all intended to spread a message of diversity and awareness beyond the traditional art world.

When Billy was first exhibited in 1994 at The Freedom Gallery in Soho, the response was immediate and polarizing. The duo’s creation was celebrated internationally, applauded for its courage and creativity, and criticized by more conservative audiences, which only reinforced its visibility and relevance.

Three years later, McKitterick and Andres transformed their artistic vision into a mass-produced object: Billy – The World’s First Out and Proud Gay Doll. What began as a provocative sculpture became a global icon, sold in hundreds of stores, dressed by designers like Alexander McQueen, and exhibited in major institutions such as the Andy Warhol Museum, the Science Museum in London, and The New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York.

Through Billy, McKitterick and Andres succeeded in transcending artistic boundaries, creating one of the first cultural bridges between queer identity and mainstream visibility. Their work stands as a testament to how art can embody resistance, inspire dialogue, and transform social consciousness.

La entrada BILLY <br>“Cop Billy ( brunette hair )” se publicó primero en IMAGO DEI.

]]> BILLY “Baseball Billy ( 1999 )” https://imagodei.es/shop/billy-baseball-billy-1999/ Fri, 20 Jun 2025 09:36:58 +0000 https://imagodei.es/?post_type=product&p=42007 Material:
High Quality Vinyl (PVC)

Edition:
Limited Edition

Dimensions: ​
30 x 8 x 5 cm ( Art Toy )
32 x 10 x 7 cm ( Original Box Included )

Provenance: ​
Private collection

La entrada BILLY <br>“Baseball Billy ( 1999 )” se publicó primero en IMAGO DEI.

]]> Baseball Billy

Sporting a powder-white uniform with vivid red accents, a bright red helmet, and the number “69” boldly printed on his chest, Baseball Billy steps up to the plate with charm and cheek. His fitted jumpsuit, red belt, and side-stripe detailing blend classic American baseball iconography with unmistakable queer flair. Bat in hand, he’s ready to swing—not just for home runs, but for representation.

Baseball Billy draws inspiration from vintage athletic aesthetics and reclaims them with unapologetic pride. With playful nods to camp and coded language (yes, that “69”), this figure challenges the heteronormativity of traditional sports while celebrating visibility and style. He’s not your average player—he’s rewriting the rules of the game.

John McKitterick & Juan Andrés

In the late 1980s, amidst London’s tense political climate under Margaret Thatcher and the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic, artists John McKitterick and Juan Andres began an ambitious collaboration that merged art, politics, and sexuality. Together, they conceived Billy not merely as an artwork, but as a cultural statement — a symbol of pride, visibility, and resistance.

McKitterick and Andres envisioned Billy as a conceptual project from the very beginning: a work that could exist simultaneously within the realms of contemporary art and popular culture. Every aspect was premeditated — from the initial sculpture to future exhibitions, books, films, music, and products — all intended to spread a message of diversity and awareness beyond the traditional art world.

When Billy was first exhibited in 1994 at The Freedom Gallery in Soho, the response was immediate and polarizing. The duo’s creation was celebrated internationally, applauded for its courage and creativity, and criticized by more conservative audiences, which only reinforced its visibility and relevance.

Three years later, McKitterick and Andres transformed their artistic vision into a mass-produced object: Billy – The World’s First Out and Proud Gay Doll. What began as a provocative sculpture became a global icon, sold in hundreds of stores, dressed by designers like Alexander McQueen, and exhibited in major institutions such as the Andy Warhol Museum, the Science Museum in London, and The New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York.

Through Billy, McKitterick and Andres succeeded in transcending artistic boundaries, creating one of the first cultural bridges between queer identity and mainstream visibility. Their work stands as a testament to how art can embody resistance, inspire dialogue, and transform social consciousness.

La entrada BILLY <br>“Baseball Billy ( 1999 )” se publicó primero en IMAGO DEI.

]]> BILLY “Gay Games Billy – Special Edition (1998)” https://imagodei.es/shop/billy-gay-games-billy-special-edition-1998/ Thu, 19 Jun 2025 21:06:35 +0000 https://imagodei.es/?post_type=product&p=42004 Material:
High Quality Vinyl (PVC)

Edition:
Limited Edition

Dimensions: ​
30 x 8 x 5 cm ( Art Toy )
32 x 10 x 7 cm ( Original Box Included )

Provenance: ​
Private collection

La entrada BILLY <br>“Gay Games Billy – Special Edition (1998)” se publicó primero en IMAGO DEI.

]]> Gay Games Billy – Special Edition

Dressed in a crisp white singlet featuring the official Federation of Gay Games logo, Gay Games Billy – Special Edition is more than a collectible—he’s a declaration. Accented with athletic knee and elbow bands, his look balances sport and style, strength and symbolism. This Billy radiates confidence, unity, and pride in motion.

This special edition was created to honor the Federation of Gay Games, a global movement celebrating diversity, inclusion, and empowerment through sports and culture. Billy embodies the spirit of those who compete not just for medals, but for visibility, equality, and joy. A proud reminder that every body belongs on the field—and in the spotlight.

John McKitterick & Juan Andrés

In the late 1980s, amidst London’s tense political climate under Margaret Thatcher and the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic, artists John McKitterick and Juan Andres began an ambitious collaboration that merged art, politics, and sexuality. Together, they conceived Billy not merely as an artwork, but as a cultural statement — a symbol of pride, visibility, and resistance.

McKitterick and Andres envisioned Billy as a conceptual project from the very beginning: a work that could exist simultaneously within the realms of contemporary art and popular culture. Every aspect was premeditated — from the initial sculpture to future exhibitions, books, films, music, and products — all intended to spread a message of diversity and awareness beyond the traditional art world.

When Billy was first exhibited in 1994 at The Freedom Gallery in Soho, the response was immediate and polarizing. The duo’s creation was celebrated internationally, applauded for its courage and creativity, and criticized by more conservative audiences, which only reinforced its visibility and relevance.

Three years later, McKitterick and Andres transformed their artistic vision into a mass-produced object: Billy – The World’s First Out and Proud Gay Doll. What began as a provocative sculpture became a global icon, sold in hundreds of stores, dressed by designers like Alexander McQueen, and exhibited in major institutions such as the Andy Warhol Museum, the Science Museum in London, and The New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York.

Through Billy, McKitterick and Andres succeeded in transcending artistic boundaries, creating one of the first cultural bridges between queer identity and mainstream visibility. Their work stands as a testament to how art can embody resistance, inspire dialogue, and transform social consciousness.

La entrada BILLY <br>“Gay Games Billy – Special Edition (1998)” se publicó primero en IMAGO DEI.

]]> BILLY “Wrestler Billy ( 1998 )” https://imagodei.es/shop/billy-wrestler-billy-1998/ Thu, 19 Jun 2025 21:03:59 +0000 https://imagodei.es/?post_type=product&p=42002 Material:
High Quality Vinyl (PVC)

Edition:
Limited Edition

Dimensions: ​
30 x 8 x 5 cm ( Art Toy )
32 x 10 x 7 cm ( Original Box Included )

Provenance: ​
Private collection

La entrada BILLY <br>“Wrestler Billy ( 1998 )” se publicó primero en IMAGO DEI.

]]> Wrestler Billy

Clad in a striking red singlet emblazoned with “Wrestler Billy” and a white star emblem, this figure exudes raw strength and playful charm. With knee and elbow pads completing the look, Wrestler Billy steps onto the mat with the confidence of a champion and the attitude of a provocateur. His athletic build and stance speak to power, but his expression reveals warmth—challenging stereotypes of toughness and tenderness.

Wrestler Billy draws from the hypermasculine aesthetics of professional wrestling, subverted through a queer lens. More than just a sports tribute, this figure explores themes of body politics, performative strength, and homoerotic visibility in athletic spaces once marked by exclusion. He’s both fighter and fantasy—ready to pin down conventions.

John McKitterick & Juan Andrés

In the late 1980s, amidst London’s tense political climate under Margaret Thatcher and the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic, artists John McKitterick and Juan Andres began an ambitious collaboration that merged art, politics, and sexuality. Together, they conceived Billy not merely as an artwork, but as a cultural statement — a symbol of pride, visibility, and resistance.

McKitterick and Andres envisioned Billy as a conceptual project from the very beginning: a work that could exist simultaneously within the realms of contemporary art and popular culture. Every aspect was premeditated — from the initial sculpture to future exhibitions, books, films, music, and products — all intended to spread a message of diversity and awareness beyond the traditional art world.

When Billy was first exhibited in 1994 at The Freedom Gallery in Soho, the response was immediate and polarizing. The duo’s creation was celebrated internationally, applauded for its courage and creativity, and criticized by more conservative audiences, which only reinforced its visibility and relevance.

Three years later, McKitterick and Andres transformed their artistic vision into a mass-produced object: Billy – The World’s First Out and Proud Gay Doll. What began as a provocative sculpture became a global icon, sold in hundreds of stores, dressed by designers like Alexander McQueen, and exhibited in major institutions such as the Andy Warhol Museum, the Science Museum in London, and The New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York.

Through Billy, McKitterick and Andres succeeded in transcending artistic boundaries, creating one of the first cultural bridges between queer identity and mainstream visibility. Their work stands as a testament to how art can embody resistance, inspire dialogue, and transform social consciousness.

La entrada BILLY <br>“Wrestler Billy ( 1998 )” se publicó primero en IMAGO DEI.

]]> BILLY “Wall Street Billy ( 1998 )” https://imagodei.es/shop/billy-wall-street-billy-1998/ Thu, 19 Jun 2025 21:01:19 +0000 https://imagodei.es/?post_type=product&p=42000 Material:
High Quality Vinyl (PVC)

Edition:
Limited Edition

Dimensions: ​
30 x 8 x 5 cm ( Art Toy )
32 x 10 x 7 cm ( Original Box Included )

Provenance: ​
Private collection

La entrada BILLY <br>“Wall Street Billy ( 1998 )” se publicó primero en IMAGO DEI.

]]> Wall Street Billy

Dressed in a tailored navy-blue suit, crisp white shirt, and polka-dot tie, Wall Street Billy brings queer elegance to the world of finance. His refined look is completed with a matching pocket square and classic dress shoes. Bold and composed, he blends corporate sophistication with unapologetic identity—proving you can wear power and pride in the same cut.

Wall Street Billy challenges traditional ideas of success, masculinity, and conformity in high-powered spaces. A symbol of ambition reimagined, he steps confidently into boardrooms, investment floors, and art collections with a statement: success is not just measured in wealth, but in authenticity and visibility.

 

John McKitterick & Juan Andrés

In the late 1980s, amidst London’s tense political climate under Margaret Thatcher and the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic, artists John McKitterick and Juan Andres began an ambitious collaboration that merged art, politics, and sexuality. Together, they conceived Billy not merely as an artwork, but as a cultural statement — a symbol of pride, visibility, and resistance.

McKitterick and Andres envisioned Billy as a conceptual project from the very beginning: a work that could exist simultaneously within the realms of contemporary art and popular culture. Every aspect was premeditated — from the initial sculpture to future exhibitions, books, films, music, and products — all intended to spread a message of diversity and awareness beyond the traditional art world.

When Billy was first exhibited in 1994 at The Freedom Gallery in Soho, the response was immediate and polarizing. The duo’s creation was celebrated internationally, applauded for its courage and creativity, and criticized by more conservative audiences, which only reinforced its visibility and relevance.

Three years later, McKitterick and Andres transformed their artistic vision into a mass-produced object: Billy – The World’s First Out and Proud Gay Doll. What began as a provocative sculpture became a global icon, sold in hundreds of stores, dressed by designers like Alexander McQueen, and exhibited in major institutions such as the Andy Warhol Museum, the Science Museum in London, and The New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York.

Through Billy, McKitterick and Andres succeeded in transcending artistic boundaries, creating one of the first cultural bridges between queer identity and mainstream visibility. Their work stands as a testament to how art can embody resistance, inspire dialogue, and transform social consciousness.

La entrada BILLY <br>“Wall Street Billy ( 1998 )” se publicó primero en IMAGO DEI.

]]> BILLY “Sailor Billy ( 1997 )” https://imagodei.es/shop/billy-sailor-billy-1997/ Thu, 19 Jun 2025 20:58:12 +0000 https://imagodei.es/?post_type=product&p=41990 Material:
High Quality Vinyl (PVC)

Edition:
Limited Edition

Dimensions: ​
30 x 8 x 5 cm ( Art Toy )
32 x 10 x 7 cm ( Original Box Included )

Provenance: ​
Private collection

La entrada BILLY <br>“Sailor Billy ( 1997 )” se publicó primero en IMAGO DEI.

]]> Sailor Billy

Dressed in classic white bell-bottom trousers and a blue-striped sailor shirt embroidered with a bright red anchor, Sailor Billy evokes the timeless allure of maritime style with a queer twist. His crisp cap and polished black boots complete a look that feels both vintage and playfully modern. He’s confident, adventurous, and always ready to sail into new stories.

Sailor Billy pays tribute to the rich symbolism of sailor uniforms in queer culture—from WWII-era aesthetics to nightlife iconography. Beyond the nautical fantasy, this figure embodies themes of travel, freedom, and discovery—core to the LGBTQ+ experience of identity and self-expression.

John McKitterick & Juan Andrés

In the late 1980s, amidst London’s tense political climate under Margaret Thatcher and the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic, artists John McKitterick and Juan Andres began an ambitious collaboration that merged art, politics, and sexuality. Together, they conceived Billy not merely as an artwork, but as a cultural statement — a symbol of pride, visibility, and resistance.

McKitterick and Andres envisioned Billy as a conceptual project from the very beginning: a work that could exist simultaneously within the realms of contemporary art and popular culture. Every aspect was premeditated — from the initial sculpture to future exhibitions, books, films, music, and products — all intended to spread a message of diversity and awareness beyond the traditional art world.

When Billy was first exhibited in 1994 at The Freedom Gallery in Soho, the response was immediate and polarizing. The duo’s creation was celebrated internationally, applauded for its courage and creativity, and criticized by more conservative audiences, which only reinforced its visibility and relevance.

Three years later, McKitterick and Andres transformed their artistic vision into a mass-produced object: Billy – The World’s First Out and Proud Gay Doll. What began as a provocative sculpture became a global icon, sold in hundreds of stores, dressed by designers like Alexander McQueen, and exhibited in major institutions such as the Andy Warhol Museum, the Science Museum in London, and The New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York.

Through Billy, McKitterick and Andres succeeded in transcending artistic boundaries, creating one of the first cultural bridges between queer identity and mainstream visibility. Their work stands as a testament to how art can embody resistance, inspire dialogue, and transform social consciousness.

La entrada BILLY <br>“Sailor Billy ( 1997 )” se publicó primero en IMAGO DEI.

]]>