In 2013, Metahaven heralded in the age of digital protest utilizing the humor and absurdity of meme culture with the success of the Occupy Wallstreet movement as a prime example. I look back at that prediction almost ten years later and it’s clear these visual tools and in-joke tactics have been incredibly successful– but for the alt-right. Alongside the lens of Angela Nagle’s critical perspective of the digital culture wars up to 2017 (post-Trump election), this booklet re-examines the use of meme culture up to 2022 as a form to speak truth to power in its successful use by hate groups.
How are subversive forms being used today and what effects are they having on society? This video and booklet are part of my inquiry into visual communication modes and methods for a Masters program at Central Saint Martins.
