Christine Wang paints memes about cryptocurrency in #cryptomemes: women and Leo DiCaprio at the Ever Gold [Projects]. Wang's solo exhibit recreates the format of viral memes with overlaid text about cryptocurrency. As the exhibition's title suggests, the memes referenced either center on women or Leonardo DiCaprio. #crytomemes is a conversation starter on digital literacy and tech culture.
Memes about cryptocurrency can feel a little niche, perhaps not accessible for the average viewer, like me. However, I didn't need to know what HODL meant to understand that #cryptomemes is making an ironic cultural statement rather than celebrating a bitcoin-owner-only existence. The gritty-textured acrylic and the comfortingly trite 'Impact' font poke fun. Like memes, the show doesn't take itself too seriously.
Ever Gold comments, “Wang's crypto paintings are both a marker of the current moment and an exercise for reading, or failing to read, an artwork–creating paintings with this niche interest-based humor is particularly fitting. Artwork, which often intimidates its audience with a mixture of insider information and ambiguous references to theoretical knowledge, is the perfect host for a similarly difficult subject. Wang's crypto paintings unite these two distinct worlds of culture.”
Appropriately, the gallery is providing special discounts for clients wishing to pay with cryptocurrency.
"#cryptomemes" is showing until June 22nd.
