Today, we have the privilege of speaking with an artist whose work is as bold and uncompromising as the cultural and political landscapes he explores. Joshua Leidolf, better known by his evocative moniker TRAN$PARENT, is more than an artist—he’s a visionary whose pieces have earned their place in prestigious galleries, iconic collections, and even the surface of the Moon. TRAN$PARENT is not merely creating art; he’s shaping a conversation, forcing us to confront the complex intersections of truth, transparency, power, and freedom.

Known for his striking depictions of iconic figures and his masterful reimaginings of historical documents, TRAN$PARENT’s work stands at the crossroads of history and modernity. His unique genre of transparent currency and commodity art has captured the attention of high-profile collectors, including Post Malone, Dana White, and Nick Bosa, to name a few. His art has been showcased in internationally renowned museums and even aboard the Lunar Rover Odysseus, marking him as a trailblazer in every sense of the word.

But TRAN$PARENT isn’t just about aesthetics; his art resonates with a deeper purpose. Rooted in the values of social justice, financial independence, and raw, unapologetic honesty, his pieces are as much statements as they are masterpieces. Whether it’s his reimagining of the U.S. flag layered with themes of surveillance and freedom or his portraits of divisive political figures like Donald Trump, TRAN$PARENT challenges us to question what we believe and why.

We were able to secure a few moments of his time and get a few questions answered that several readers sent in. We hope you enjoy this brief interview.

 

 

 

Are you concerned at all with the prospect that someone will buy your Trump painting for the sole purpose of destroying it as an act of protest?

TRAN$PARENT: I am not concerned at all because, at the end of the day, the transaction itself still serves a greater purpose. If someone wants to spend their hard-earned money just to destroy a piece of art, that’s their choice. But ironically, in doing so, they’re funding the very message they claim to oppose. I will take the proceeds from that sale and reinvest them into spreading President Trump’s message of political and financial freedom—through more art, more initiatives, and more conversations that challenge the status quo. The beautiful thing about capitalism, the very system President Trump champions, is that money moves based on free will. If someone wants to use their resources to try and make a statement, they should realize that they’re actually fueling the very movement they want to silence. In a way, it’s poetic justice.

What do you think is the biggest thing political opponents get wrong about Donald Trump?

TRAN$PARENT: The biggest misunderstanding is that President Trump was never part of the carefully groomed political machine. He wasn’t raised in the establishment’s preparatory system, where candidates are taught to behave a certain way, say the “right” things, and follow instructions that ultimately benefit a small, select group rather than the American people as a whole. Because he didn’t come up through that system, he doesn’t speak in the sanitized, polished, focus-group-tested way that career politicians do. And that makes a lot of people uncomfortable.

But here’s the reality: the system wasn’t designed to serve the average American—it was built to maintain power for the elite. Trump disrupts that. He speaks in a way that connects with everyday people, not just political insiders, and that terrifies the establishment. His opponents mistake his bluntness for ignorance, his confidence for arrogance, and his independence for recklessness. But in truth, his approach is what makes him so effective. He isn’t controlled. He isn’t owned. And that’s why they fear him.

What is the most fun part of the process when doing these Donald Trump paintings?

TRAN$PARENT: The entire process is a thrill, from start to finish. As a creative, my mind is always running—thinking of new ways to push boundaries, challenge perspectives, and bring an idea to life. The brainstorming phase is just as exciting as the actual execution because that’s where the vision begins to take shape. I get to experiment with colors, textures, symbols—every little detail that contributes to the larger message.

But beyond the act of painting itself, I also love the strategic aspect—the marketing, the storytelling, the engagement with people who interact with my work. Art isn’t just about putting paint on a canvas; it’s about creating an experience, sparking emotion, and, in this case, making a statement. Seeing how people react, whether with admiration or outrage, is all part of the fun. Art is supposed to evoke something real, and when it does, that’s when I know I’ve done my job.

What is your favorite part of your charity work?

TRAN$PARENT: For me, the most rewarding part is knowing that something I’ve poured my energy, my creativity, and my passion into can be transformed into a force for good. When I create a piece, it’s not just about the art—it’s about what the art can do. Knowing that my work can be converted into a monetary instrument that directly benefits people who are less fortunate than myself is a powerful thing.

I put my blood, sweat, and tears into my projects, and to see that effort materialize into real impact—whether it’s providing resources for those in need, supporting causes that align with my values, or simply inspiring others to give back—is what makes it all worthwhile. Charity isn’t just about writing a check; it’s about using your skills, your platform, and your influence to make a difference. And when I see that happen through my art, it reinforces why I do what I do.

Excluding the Donald Trump painting, which of your other works was the most fun to produce?

TRAN$PARENT: That’s a tough question because every piece has its own story, its own energy. But if I had to choose, I’d say my Marilyn “Sugar” Lollipop, my collaboration with the Bruce Lee Foundation, and my “Declaration Imagination” piece each hold a special place for me.

The Marilyn piece was a fusion of classic iconography with a playful, modern twist. There’s something intriguing about taking an image that’s so deeply embedded in pop culture and reinterpreting it in a way that makes people see it differently.

The Bruce Lee collaboration was an honor because it allowed me to pay tribute to a figure who transcended martial arts and became a global symbol of discipline, philosophy, and perseverance. That piece wasn’t just about capturing Bruce Lee’s likeness—it was about embodying his legacy through the medium of art.

And then there’s “Declaration Imagination”, which was an absolute mind-bender to create. Painting a reverse negative of Benjamin Franklin out of the letters and words of the Declaration of Independence as an optical illusion was both a technical challenge and a conceptual statement. That piece represents something bigger than just art—it’s about the foundations of freedom, the power of words, and the way history shapes our perception of the present.

Each of these pieces was fun in its own way, but what ties them all together is the deeper message behind them. For me, art isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about meaning, impact, and shifting perspectives.

It’s clear that TRAN$PARENT is much more than an artist—he’s a cultural force and a true philantropist.. Through his unapologetic approach to creativity, he has carved out a space where art isn’t just about beauty or technique but about truth, freedom, and the undeniable power of perspective. His works provoke, challenge, and inspire, urging us to look beyond the surface and examine the layers of meaning beneath.

From iconic commissions for household names like Post Malone and Dana White to works that have traveled farther than any human—resting permanently on the Moon—TRAN$PARENT’s career is a testament to the boundless potential of art when fused with purpose. His “Love Is In Our Genes” series and his thought-provoking political pieces, like his layered portrait of Donald Trump against the backdrop of American symbolism, don’t just capture moments; they ignite movements.