When Art Goes Viral

Casually Pepper Spraying Everything Cop

Shepard Fairey spoof

Jenny Holzer, Cat

Artists have been the image-makers of all of history; the internet is greatest image-purveyor of today.  More than ever, the two are going hand-in-hand.  Not only is art being shared and written about on the internet, it is now becoming a meme in its own right.  And while I won’t deny my love of hipster cats and “hey girl” memes, I’m kind of excited about this new development.  As the author of the article notes, “In a world in which the average art appreciator can feel empowered to create, remix and revamp, the art world meme is the internet generation’s version of sketching at the museum.”

I think having fun with art is an awesome prospect, and memes are a little like a continuous work of art.  And as to continue the cycle of creating, remixing and revamping, I immediately shared this on twitter.

“Jenny Holzer’s Cat, Ugly Renaissance Babies, and other Art-World Memes” on Hyperallergic

And if you’re interested in the “real” art meme-ified above, check out these links:

• Christina’s World by Andrew Wyeth
• Obey Giant by Shepard Fairey
• Jenny Holzer’s Truisms
• Of course, if you identify more with the cat Jenny Holzer, follow it here: @JennyHolzerCat