James Kerr: Remixing the Renaissance in GIFs
You’re aware of GIFs, no doubt, those loops of motion now in widespread use. You may also know there’s an international conversation under way on whether GIF-based work is really art, despite its recent explosion. Well Montreal artist James Kerr (aka Scorpion Dagger) is already validated. He’s just been exhibited at the Tate Britain in London.
Kerr is one of five international digital artists invited to convert any 19th century work of art from the Tate for an exhibition in its 1840s room. That gallery was turned into an animated display in an event that placed the original art beside the GIF. That’s Kerr’s above – a remix of John Brett, Lady With A Dove: Madame Loeser.
Bravo to the Tate. But this post is about Kerr, because he’s talented, funny and on the rise.
His Tumblr carries digital collages made mostly from northern and early Renaissance paintings. And you can see more on his Facebook here.
7 Comments
anngrafics
GIFs are so annoying, but I thoroughly enjoyed these – best I’ve seen in a long time!!! 😀
bronwynbataillard
I can’t stop laughing! These are incredibly well done, I look forward to seeing more of these in the future.
boomerontario
I agree with the LOL, and the clever. So good.
Resa
Well…. what the hell! “lol”
crescentmoonramblings
So clever.
boomerontario
Glad you enjoyed it. Monty Pythonesque brilliance, really.
Kitty
I love these GIF’s! They’re reminiscent of Terry Gilliam’s work. Not sure why animation and humor would make them suspect regarding the mantle of “art.” They are creative, full of imagination, speak to the human condition, and universally appealing! 🙂 Thank you for this wonderful, wonderful blog and all the work that makes it such a favorite.