Bodies on the screen : A short essay on performative memes

“Bodies on the Screen: A Short Essay on Performative Memes” explores the intersection of contemporary visual art and internet culture through an analysis of memetic performances. Focusing on David Horvitz’s viral “freezer project” as a catalyst, the essay examines the dynamics of repetition and variation within memetic systems, highlighting the role of instructions and the body as a medium of expression. Drawing parallels with more recognized art practices, such as the body-centric works of Bruce Nauman and Erwin Wurm, the article discusses the transformative power of performative memes, which often blur the line between art and everyday life. Through case studies like planking and viral challenges, the essay delves into the concept of “new media idiocy,” coined by Russian scholar Olga Goriunova, and explores the emergence of performative memes on platforms like TikTok, where the human body becomes a central tool for self-expression and identity exploration.