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Classical artwork and timeless masterpieces of the art world make tip-top templates for memes. The proof is in the pudding, and the Classical Sarcasm Instagram account is here to serve it. Classical Sarcasm is a social media project that is dedicated to sharing witty memes that use classical paintings that many of us know and love as templates.

The end result is a fascinating mix of master-level paintings and a breath of the past mixed together with modern issues and everyday vernacular. It’s a contrast that works. And it’s oddly relatable.

Have a scroll through some of the best memes featured by Classical Sarcasm. Remember to upvote your faves. If you’re a fan of these, be sure to give Classical Sarcasm a follow, we’re sure that it would make the founder of the project very happy.

Scroll down for Bored Panda's exclusive interview with the founder of Classical Sarcasm, Adnan Cirak!

More info: Instagram | Facebook

I reached out to the super-friendly founder of the Classical Sarcasm project, Adnan. He told Bored Panda that he's from Bosnia and Herzegovina and that he started the Classical Sarcasm page one year ago.

"My inspiration is to promote Art and also young artists who are painters and creators," he told Bored Panda.

Adnan shared with Bored Panda that his page is "followed all over the globe, from USA to Europe and Asia," which goes to show that art memes break even cultural barriers.

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Vicky Z
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And if you have bigger rolls then you are greater Goddess!!!

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hyperunknown
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just gotta stay pawsitive, right? Nah I'm just kitten around, paw-don me.

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"The success behind the page is original content and constant hard work. My team consists of me and my parents," he spoke about his mom, Sifa, and his dad, Sefik. They also host two other similar Instagram pages, @classicalfuk and @classicalartmemesofficial.

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According to Adnan, classical paintings perfectly work as templates for memes. "Paintings are perfect because they all have a story behind, also everyone has an opportunity to tell the story in their own way," he said that the freedom to interpret things adds to the appeal of the art and, by extension, the memes.

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I was curious to find out a bit about the way Adnan creates the memes themselves and wondered whether he ever hits any creative blocks. "When creating memes, I just need to look at one painting, and immediately the brainstorming starts in my head. Also many followers are sending their own creations. I'm so proud that my page has motivated soo many people to express their own creativity."

Adnan added that he's looking forward to cooperating with anyone who wants to. "I would like to invite all young artists and also companies to work together as a team. My business email is: balkaninfluencer@gmail.com," he shared.

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hyperunknown
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let’s put the fun back in funeral, doesn't have to be such a grave affair. You urned these puns.

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The Classical Sarcasm page is part of a whole series of sister-projects, one of which is Classical Art Memes. Classical Sarcasm has over 107k followers on Instagram. Meanwhile, on Facebook, it’s got a bit over 30k fans who eagerly await for the next meme to drop.

Previously, I spoke about classical art with art historian and video creator Mary McGillivray, from Melbourne. She makes fun educational videos to help people understand more about art, including what movement a particular painting is from.

"A lot of people think that art history is very serious and very important and this leads to them feeling overwhelmed—or even feeling like art history isn't for them. This isn't true!" Mary told Bored Panda.

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"I've said it before and I'll say it again, art history is just old memes. Once we start to see the humor and the humanity in art, it becomes far less intimidating," Mary explained to Bored Panda that art is far more relatable than many of us might think. There's plenty of humor hidden throughout as well! (So it's no wonder that old paintings work so well as meme templates.)

Meanwhile, former gallery director and art expert Shelby Bercume, from Florida, told Bored Panda that because art history isn’t taught at all schools, some people find it intimidating, as well as difficult to grasp.

"I don’t necessarily think art history is an inaccessible entity, but I know that people tend to feel intimidated by things they aren’t experts in. Since art is often, if not always subjective, it feels even more intimidating than a subject with a 'right answer,' like math for example," Shelby explained. 

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JessG
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"By whom?" "Oh You know, the classics. Leonardo, Donatello, Michaelangelo...?"

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"I think often that leads to a disconnect between the desire to dive into the subject of art and by relation art history, and the execution of it," the former gallery director told Bored Panda.

Shelby believes that art should be accessible to everyone, no matter their background. Making things less lofty and less scary is a good way to democratize it. “Art is something to be enjoyed and shouldn’t be reserved for an exclusive group," she said.

"Art is aesthetics and feelings. If you love something, voice why you love it... if you can’t find the words, that’s ok! Talking about art is really discussing how the art affects your emotional state and what thoughts it provokes," Shelby detailed to Bored Panda.

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"And remember, it is ok to not love everything, believe it or not, certain artworks are meant to be disturbing or disliked. Just don’t be intimidated to speak up because that’s really all we’re doing when we talk about art. We’re voicing opinions."

Got your mind set on seeing some more great memes made with classical paintings? We’ve got you covered! Have a scroll through these two Bored Panda articles right here and here when you’re done enjoying this list.

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Night Owl
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We're deleting ourselves with climate change, destruction of biodiversity, contamination of water, earth and air, ... we're making big parts of the the planet if not all of it unlivable for ourselves

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Let us know what you think of the Classical Sarcasm project in the comments below, dear Pandas. Do you have a particular favorite that made you giggle through half of your lunch break? Are you all fired up to turn your beloved painting into a meme? Don’t be shy, share your thoughts with everyone else.

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RandomX123
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ooh, self-burn. Those are rare. Not sure if they WERE though...

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Tiny Dynamine
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When you thought there was just enough toilet paper left, but you misjudged it.

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Tiny Dynamine
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, I had a friend like that and it was one of many reasons why I have no interest in speaking to her ever again.

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Aroace tiger (any pronouns)
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You don't need a soulmate you can be happy alone and besides who says your soulmate is romantic

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Ladyandthetramp
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know! It makes me frustrated, but sometimes people just don’t want to talk.

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BlackPearltheSeaWing/NightWing
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I swear I have good stamina, it just only reveals itself when I'm doing something I like.

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kjorn
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i know i'm not good enough. don't need to sit in the dark for that.

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Nathan Pogorzala
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No offense to the artist (I'm sure he won't mind) but Jesus looks like Mary was drinking after the conception.

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WilvanderHeijden
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She said after posting a million times that she expects to be treated like a goddess by a prince in shining armour who will bow to every insane request she has.

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BlackPearltheSeaWing/NightWing
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've done this but with all the Hamilton songs. I watched it over summer and I'm still obsessed with it.

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