'SUPERPUTIN' exhibition hands Russian leader a heroic makeover

Vladimir Putin riding a bear, armour clad and holding the national flag are the many faces on display at the Ultra Modern Art Museum (UMAM) in Moscow.

A visitor in front of an artwork depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin during the SUPERPUTIN exhibition at the Ultra Modern Art Museum (UMAM) in Moscow. Source: AAP

An exhibition, titled "SUPERPUTIN", features around 30 paintings and sculptures of Russian leader Vladimir Putin in a variety of different styles, all of which were made by Russian artists.

Mr Putin can be seen riding a brown bear in medieval armour, cuddling a puppy and dressed as Santa Claus in artwork at a new Moscow exhibition focused on Russia’s leader.

In a happy accident of political theatre, the exhibition opened on the day that he announced his bid for a fourth term as Russia’s President.

A visitor in front of an artwork depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin during the SUPERPUTIN exhibition at the Ultra Modern Art Museum (UMAM) in Moscow. Source: AAP

The project ideologist Yulia Dyuzheva said Mr Putin's makeover was a result of a group of young artists impression of their leader.

"We thought it would be best to do something that is a so-called 'impulse of the youth'," she said.

"At least I can call it like this, as all the works at our exhibition were painted and crafted by young artists. It is awesome because each piece an artist expressed the merits of the president which that particular artist finds most characteristic."

The exhibition in the UMAM museum in Moscow runs until January 15.

Visitors in front of an artwork depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin during the SUPERPUTIN exhibition at the Ultra Modern Art Museum (UMAM) in Moscow. Source: AAP