230cm x 150cm
Reinterpreting Raphael's iconic painting "The School of Athens" in the context of twenty-first-century influencers.
In reimagining Raphael's renowned work, "The School of Athens," within the context of twenty-first-century influencers who lack substantial knowledge and experience, we find ourselves transported to a digital realm. In this modern interpretation, the grand architectural backdrop and esteemed philosophers from the original painting are replaced by a virtual space populated by an army of empty individuals who have garnered fame and followers primarily through social media platforms, often without possessing profound expertise in their respective fields promoting superficial or fleeting concepts that align with current fads.
The work highlights the evolving dynamics of knowledge and influence in the digital age, where individuals can achieve fame and influence without the traditional depth of wisdom or expertise associated with historical philosophers. It raises questions about the nature of authority, wisdom, and the dissemination of knowledge in our contemporary, digital society.