Memetic Superposition: Evaluating the Parallels between Memes and Renaissance Emblems

Article / Journal

Author(s) / editor(s):
Ray Drainville

Year: 2023

21: Inquiries into Art, History, and the Visual, 4(4), 713–744.

Language(s): English

Abstract:
This paper argues that our understanding of Internet memes can be enhanced by a comparison with Renaissance emblems as an historical precursor. By incorporating an analysis of visual themes and production contexts, it notes striking parallels around form, conceptions of invention, in-group/out-group dynamics, uneven reception, and exploitation of maturing new media environments. In both cases, a combination of conventionalised stylistic formats and borrowed referential content free the maker to focus on invention based upon incongruous multimodal juxtaposition.

https://doi.org/10.11588/xxi.2023.4.100739

Post created by: Lymor Wolf Goldstein