The Picture of Tony Blair

This website is a database-driven digital narrative experiment based on the classic Oscar Wilde book: "The Picture of Dorian Gray". In the original story, a young man, charmed by his own portrait, sells his soul to the devil in exchange for eternal youth and beauty. He is drawn into a corrupt double life, indulging his desires in secret while remaining a gentleman in the eyes of polite society. Only his portrait bears the traces, and over time it becomes monstrous. Finally he sees his portrait and is confronted by the horror of his actions.

The project explores how this classic story can be re-told in our times using new technology. In this new version of the story Tony Blair makes a deal with the devil, and hangs a portrait of himself in the attic of 10 Downing Street. Charmed by his own portrait, he exchanges his soul for eternal power, indulging his desires in secret, while remaining the trustworthy prime minister in the eyes of the public. Only his portrait bears the traces.

"If it were I who was always to be young, and the picture that was to grow old! For that - I would give everything! Yes, there is nothing in the whole world I would not give! I would give my soul for that!

The devil smiled. The deal was done. He laughed and walked away."

Visitors to The Picture of Tony Blair are invited to vote on how well they think the prime minister is performing. The results are expressed in a cartoon portrait of him. The less people believe him, the more his portrait loses its looks and vice versa.

The website is here