The Memes Section from Davis Museum Barcelona

An artistic manifesto in Meme format created against the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States of America

What/who inspired the work?
This section has a format of memes that was created against the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States and against the War in Ukraine declared by Vladimir Putin. The manifesto is formally inspired by the memes that circulate on the Internet and that have all kinds of critical content: social, political, financial, even humorous. From a conceptual point of view, I have been inspired by the article "Ur-Fascism" by Umberto Eco for the New York Review of Books (1995), in which he refers to primitive fascism characterized by ideas of traditionalism, rejection of modernity, irrationality, single-mindedness, racism, appeals to declining middle classes and obsession with conspiracy both by internal and external enemies.

What do you hope its viewers will feel/think?
I hope viewers understand that this section has been created to oppose the presidency of Donald Trump due to his lack of commitment to human rights and economic inequalities. His "America First" policy has not only damaged international relations, but it has also perpetuated the gap between the rich and poor in the United States. Additionally, his support for authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin and lack of action on environmental issues are concerning and go against social democratic values of equality and justice. As well as opposing the war in Ukraine, an armed conflict that is having a devastating human and economic cost. We must work towards peaceful and just solutions, and condemn any external intervention that only serves to exacerbate the situation. Additionally, we must support affected communities and seek a political solution that respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and protects the rights of all citizens involved.

Why did you choose the medium, subject matter, style?
I chose the digital medium due to its flexibility and efficiency in creating content, as well as its low cost and viral capability to reach a larger audience. The subject I chose are the most controversial political figures that deserve our most fierce opposition. I have chosen the satirical style of memes, which combine photography and text to challenge dominant narratives and generate critical reflection on the politics that we must defend. Resist!

Vladimir Putin said: My personal position is that society must keep people safe from conteporary art
Davis Lisboa,My personal position is that society must keep people safe from conteporary art,2022, digital image, 605 x 396
Vladimir Putin said: Spying artists has always gone on since ancient times
Davis Lisboa,Spying artists has always gone on since ancient times,2022, digital image, 605 x 396
Vladimir Putin said: Your art is very bad
Davis Lisboa,Your art is very bad,2022, digital image, 605 x 396
Vladimir Putin said: I believe that the power of art should be limited.
Davis Lisboa,I believe that the power of art should be limited,2022, digital image, 605 x 396
Vladimir Putin said: We shall fight against the artists, throw them in prisions and destroy them
Davis Lisboa,We shall fight against the artists, throw them in prisions and destroy them,2022, digital image, 605 x 396
Vladimir Putin said: Noboby should pin their hopes on a museum
Davis Lisboa,Noboby should pin their hopes on a museum,2022, digital image, 605 x 396
Donald Trump said: We don't need museums of contemporary art!
Davis Lisboa,We don't need museums of contemporary art!,2016, digital image, 605 x 401
Donald Trump said: Museums are for the power, not the people!
Davis Lisboa,Museums are for the power, not the people!,2016, digital image, 605 x 401
Donald Trump said: Only large traditional museums will remain!
Davis Lisboa,Only large traditional museums will remain!,2016, digital image, 605 x 401
Donald Trump said: All those museums created by Chicano artists must be closed!
Davis Lisboa,All those museums created by Chicano artists must be closed!,2016, digital image, 605 x 401
Donald Trump said: All Latin American art must be removed from museums!
Davis Lisboa,All Latin American art must be removed from museums!,2016, digital image, 605 x 401
Donald Trump said: Third World artists are people who bring us drugs, delinquency and rape!
Davis Lisboa,Third World artists are people who bring us drugs, delinquency and rape!, 2016, digital image, 605 x 401
Donald Trump said: I promise to ban any relationship between art, politics and society!
Davis Lisboa,I promise to ban any relationship between art, politics and society!, 2016, digital image, 605 x 401
Donald Trump said: I promise that all those non-profit art projects will be banned!
Davis Lisboa,I promise that all those non-profit art projects will be banned!, 2016, digital image, 605 x 401
Donald Trump said: I promise to ban any kind of alternative narratives in art museums!
Davis Lisboa,I promise to ban any kind of alternative narratives in art museums!, 2016, digital image, 605 x 401
Donald Trump said: I will build a great wall between the upper and lowe art!
Davis Lisboa,I will build a great wall between the upper and lowe art!,2016, digital image, 605 x 401
Donald Trump said: No more chess players in contemporary art!
Davis Lisboa,No more chess players in contemporary art!,2016, digital image, 605 x 401
Donald Trump said: No more United Nations advisers in contemporary art!
Davis Lisboa,No more United Nations advisers in contemporary art!,2016, digital image, 605 x 401
Donald Trump said: No more writers or poets in contemporary art!
Davis Lisboa,No more writers or poets in contemporary art!,2016, digital image, 605 x 401
Donald Trump said: No more illustrators in contemporary art!
Davis Lisboa,No more illustrators in contemporary art!,2016, digital image, 605 x 401
Donald Trump said: From now on, all museums must run as a business!
Davis Lisboa,From now on, all museums must run as a business!,2016, digital image, 605 x 401
Donald Trump said: I promise to ban any kind of collaborative culture in the Internet!
Davis Lisboa,I promise to ban any kind of collaborative culture in the Internet!,2016, digital image, 605 x 401
Donald Trump said: I promise to ban Davis Lisboa from contemporary art scene!
Davis Lisboa,I promise to ban Davis Lisboa from contemporary art scene!,2016, digital image, 605 x 401
Donald Trump said: Davis, close your museum and go back to your country
Davis Lisboa,Davis, close your museum and go back to your country!,2016, digital image, 605 x 401