Archive for Frankenstein

Halloween Countdown: Universal Monster Keychain Flashlight Portraits

Posted in kitsch, monsters, retro, toys, vintage with tags , , , , , , , , , on October 4, 2016 by shewalkssoftly

This series of Universal Monsters keychain flashlights released in 1995 (on which you press a button on the back to illuminate the heads) are kind of cool. BUT…

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I’m posting them here because they were made in “portraits” by John Purlia, the master of elevating and imbuing all forms of kitsch with a life force via meticulous staging and photography.

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Most of Purlia’s scenes are quite elaborate and rich with symbolism (you should really check out his website), but I love the color choices and singular focus in these shots.

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Look at those cold, dead eyes!
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It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I think the Wolfman, with his shifty sideways glance, might be my mine. Which one is yours?
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John Purlia

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