I Can Haz Fun At Art Gallery?

The Art Gallery's digital exhibition "What's in a Meme?" displayed viral internet memes. Story from Terp Magazine.

By Karen Shih '09, Terp magazine.

You’ve probably seen these on Facebook, Reddit or in your inbox: Hillary Clinton, cool as can be in her sunglasses, sending snarky texts. Korean singer Psy, with his confusingly addictive song and dance in “Gangnam Style.” A serene Shiba Inu nicknamed Doge, marveling—in colorful Comic Sans—at the world. 

                                                                   

Art history graduate student Kate Kula’s new exhibition at the Art Gallery, called “What’s in a Meme?,” gives you a chance to look back on these and other viral internet sensations. 

“I wanted it to be thought-provoking and fun and a little bit irreverent,” she says. “Why do we find certain things funny? Why do we find certain things worthy of being shared globally, electronically?” The memes are displayed digitally via projection or moving photo slideshows. Since they are usually viewed individually, from the privacy of each person’s computer, Kula hopes that the juxtaposition of certain memes will help visitors see them in a new light.“This is a chance to look at them with a critical eye,” she says. Satire, like that in “Gangnam Style,” can easily be missed. “These memes can spread information about our values as a culture and society, but can potentially be a medium for misrepresentation or misinformation.”  The exhibition will run through Maryland Day, April 26. Visit artgallery.umd.edu for more information.