Paintings That Became Memes

Examining the fine art behind digital jokes

Great works of art are reused constantly as culture crawls forward, whether by direct reference, fad, or subliminal imitation. As images have become easier to create, store, and access, this process has accelerated.

Memes are one of the most effective modern forms of image recycling. Some say they are our age’s folk art. They cut across niches and nation…