Are LOLCats and Internet Memes Art? | Idea Channel | PBS

We've all seen and shared a few LOLCats and Internet Memes in our time, but is it possible that these images and videos are actually a new form of art? It may seem strange, but Rage Guys, Advice Dogs, Trollfaces, and Philosoraptors are ways for people around the globe to express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions with others; the core principle of art. And we think some of history's greatest philosophers and artists might be inclined to agree!

New Idea Channel episodes every other Wednesday!!!

Let us know what sorts of crazy ideas you have, about this episode and otherwise:
Tweet at us! @pbsideachannel (yes, the longest twitter username ever)
Email us! pbsideachannel [at] gmail [dot] com

Hosted by Mike Rugnetta (@mikerugnetta)
Made by Kornhaber Brown (http://www.kornhaberbrown.com)

Music used:
"Fuayfsilfm", "Underground" - binaerpilot/Alexander Støver http://binaerpilot.no

Watch our previous episode: "Is Miku Hatsune A More Authentic Pop Star Than Lana Del Rey?"
http://youtu.be/r3c8STXjQ20

If you still want more awesome, watch our first episode: "Super Mario Brother is the World's Greatest Piece of Surrealist Art"
http://youtu.be/a2bAN9pPeiE

Listen to the full version of the tetris song here:
http://soundcloud.com/bmoyle/tetris-t...

• Category

  Education

[Jonathan Chesnutt]

Acording to the intro, i'm an artist

[hoodedamw306]

im artist

[Alison Jay]

they are art totally!

[Blaine Evans]

I just noticed your Highwaymen poster. That's one of my all time favorite albums. Big ups.

[tyandlit]

What's the meme at 1:44?

[NightxofxDarkrai]

I certainly think people who make stuff like memes and LOLcats are artist =) They made something from nothing; that's the thing about art.

[MrBagich]

ЛИВ ТАЛСТАЙ АХУИНИН КАРОЧ

[Jack Western]

Eh, John Green makes pies out of this guy's videos. He's awesome. Oh yeah, and DFTBA!

[sfried]

Does that mean YTMND is an art house? That's a little...hyperbolic.

[kfcnyancat]

Hey, MLP is a meme.

[Kip Dunlap]

I disagree with the suggestion that this sort of widespread participation in art is a new thing. Looking at open participation in public sites like shrines and graffiti is a very old and democratic form of expression. I would point out things like the love bridge in Paris, there's some expression involved in this from everyone.

[Justin Archibald]

Art is support to make people think of why the artist did this or what the artist is expressing. If one person can do that or at least think that, then it is truly art. If a meme can do the same thing, then yes it is art. Beauty has nothing to do with art. For example "The Scream". It is not beautiful, but it makes you wonder what the artist was thinking or feeling during its production