Vladimir Putin depicted as Hercules in birthday art exhibit

MOSCOW, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin celebrated his 62nd birthday, inspiring supporters to host a one-day art exhibition -- The 12 Labors of Vladimir Putin.

The series depicts Putin as the mythological demigod Hercules and the hero's 12 Labors. One painting shows Putin slaying a hydra-like creature with the heads labeled with the Russian words for "USA," "Japan," "Canada" and "EU" breathing fire labeled "sanctions."

Thousands of Putin supporters took to the streets of the Chechen capital of Grozny on Tuesday dressed in red, white and blue, the colors of the Russian flag to celebrate his birthday.

Putin's approval rating is currently above 80 percent.

"The head of state has flown to the Siberian taiga where he will rest," said presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov.