The Tweets of 18th Century American Patriots.

In "An American Revolution Revolution" by Shawn Huckins, the artist depicted late and great historical patriots in classic 18th portraiture while adding a 21st century spin. Over the top of his paintings, Huckins transcribes common social media phrases and posts. For instance, Benjamin Franklin cries out, "LMAO" (below). The series creates an interesting dichotomy between present day priorities and communication in comparison to past ideas and goals. Of his work, Huckins asks viewers to contemplate this juxtaposition between eras. He elaborates in his artist statement,

Well-worn are the theories that advancing technology isolates us more, not less, and it is easy to idealize centuries-past life as simpler, more civil, more intelligent and, ironically, more 'connected.' The point is, we live in a very different time than our Founding Fathers did, and we would appear to place our priorities in very different places: what entertains our selves versus what serves our society. Clearly a society must be politically free to indulge in the luxury of such introspection. But has the complacency of our political freedom blinded us to the potential our ancestors fought for?
If George could comment today, would he click the 'like' button, or post wtf? and then go check his Lady Gaga tweet?