Twelve Billies for Twelve Billies

Response from former US President Bill Clinton

In 1997, during the early months following the launch of the Billy Doll in the United States and amidst a media frenzy, artists John McKitterick and Juan Andres embarked on a bold and imaginative project. They sent twelve Billy Dolls to twelve prominent American figures, each sharing the name “Billy.” Among the notable recipients were cultural icons such as Billy Idol, Billy Crystal, Billie Jean King, Billy Joel, Bill Cosby, Billy Ray Cyrus, Billy Bob Thornton, Billy Graham, Billy Zane, Billy Baldwin, and Bill Gates.

This endeavor was part of a broader series of collaborative “art actions” orchestrated by McKitterick and Andres. These initiatives connected the worlds of art, culture, politics, and the corporate and religious spheres, while engaging the public through an array of mediums: visual art, exhibitions, literature, music, film, photography, and commercial products. Central to the “art actions” was a dedication to raising awareness about gay visibility, promoting diversity, and addressing critical issues like safe sex and HIV/AIDS.

The Billy Doll and The Billy Concept, were both in themselves “art actions,” serving as both emblems and vehicles for social change.

The twelfth, and perhaps most significant, recipient of a Billy Doll was none other than the President of the United States at the time, Bill Clinton. The White House graciously responded on behalf of the President, making this gesture not only an artful provocation but a poignant intersection of culture and politics.