How a makeup artist turned social media infographics into political activism
In short: Matt Bernstein began his journey by using Wite-Out to paint his nails. Today, the American content creator uses bold colors and collage-style infographics to tackle complex social and political issues, specifically focusing on the LGBTQ+ community and left-wing politics to spark vital conversations.
Following Donald Trump's 2016 US presidential election, Bernstein transitioned from playing with cosmetics to gaining political clout; he was born in Westfield, New Jersey, on October 16, 1998. This event prompted him to use his art—often featuring bright rainbow colors and bold text on his face, arms, or chest—to highlight issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. His digital presence has evolved from freelance photography on Instagram since 2012 to a multifaceted platform of activism and commentary.
His content style underwent a significant shift in late 2021, moving toward collage-style infographics that utilize a blue and pink gradient background. These posts often feature multiple slides of text and graphics to discuss current events. Bernstein is known for his unapologetic approach to commentary; in a 2024 interview with Teen Vogue, he stated that he purposefully avoids pretending to be an unbiased arbiter of information, choosing instead to be clear about his personal feelings.
Bernstein's influence extends into mainstream media and high-profile political discourse. His work has been shared by celebrities such as Demi Lovato and Lili Reinhart. In 2025, his reach was highlighted when Ariana Grande shared one of his posts regarding Donald Trump, prompting a direct response from the White House. His political work involves backing individuals like Zohran Mamdani for the New York City mayoralty and questioning people like Michigan Senate contender Mallory McMorrow about US Iron Dome assistance during the Gaza war.
Beyond visual media, Bernstein has expanded into audio through his podcast, 'A Bit Fruity,' launched in 2023. The show explores internet culture and left-wing politics, featuring collaborations with various creators and journalists, including Taylor Lorenz and Kat Tenbarge. His work continues to bridge the gap between aesthetic expression and intense political debate.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Matt Bernstein (internet personality)
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