Daniel Arthur takes something we see all over the internet—memes—and turns them into real, traditional paintings. He picks up popular images and moments from internet culture, things that might have once made us laugh or think for a second, and gives them a new life on canvas. It’s like taking a snapshot of the digital world and making it something you can hang on your wall.
His work is an interesting mix of humor and art. By turning these fleeting, viral moments into paintings, Arthur shows how internet culture can be more than just passing trends. It’s a fun yet thoughtful way of capturing the stuff we see every day online and making us think about it in a different way.
More info: Instagram | danielarthury.com | Facebook | youtube.com
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We reached out to Daniel to learn more about his creative process and what drives his work. His paintings are so captivating, blending humor and internet culture with traditional art. Naturally, we were curious about what first inspired him to turn memes and digital trends into timeless paintings.
He says, "In 2019, an artist collective called Cane Yo was founded by Milo Hartnoll alongside the members of 404 Taken. At that time, I was searching for an aesthetic that truly resonated with me, even though I wasn’t sure exactly what it was," Daniel shared." It was through Cane Yo, which deeply explored internet culture, that I solidified my desire to immerse myself in this imaginative realm."
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When asked how he selects the memes or internet moments to feature in his paintings, Daniel shared that he’s active in several meme groups on Reddit, follows numerous pages, and his Pinterest is filled to the brim with cat memes, cursed images, and other similar content. "When selecting an image, I consider multiple factors: storytelling, graphic quality, lighting, colors, and whether it makes me laugh or feel cringe. I usually take all these aspects into account when making a choice."
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We were curious to hear Daniel’s thoughts on the reception of his unique blend of internet culture and traditional art. How does he feel about the way his work has been embraced by both the online community and the traditional art world?
"I feel incredibly grateful for the way I’ve been welcomed, both by the online community and the artistic world. I’m in touch with several artists who inspire me, and I can only express my gratitude for these connections and the support I’ve received along the way."
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"My ultimate goal has already been achieved: to make a living from my art and reach people, bringing them joy, laughter, amazement, cringe, and a range of other emotions. The other day, I received a video of a child unboxing one of my prints—their reaction was absolutely priceless. Moments like these make all my work truly worthwhile."
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