PEPECLOUD

PEPECLOUD is inspired by the crypto-themed cloud collages I began creating a few years ago, such as Lurking Bearwhale (2020) and Dreamy Misconceptions of Anonymity (2020). This Fake Rare recreates the concept using painted cloud blocks, forming a cloud mosaic of Pepe referencing the Umbrella Movement of 2014.

In 2019, Pepe became a symbol of hope during the Hong Kong protests against China’s controversial extradition bill. The demonstrations were pivotal in changing Pepe’s narrative internationally.

PEPECLOUD documents my creation process and serves as a blueprint for more fakes. The original artwork is painted on canvas and will be auctioned during the Pepe is Art/Frogs Over Fiat gallery exhibition in NYC in April 2023.

I published an essay about the History of Rare Pepes for the RightClickSave magazine in January 2023 (https://www.rightclicksave.com/article/a-brief-history-of-rare-pepe), and the unabbreviated version on my blog (https://mlo.art/news/blog-posts/a-brief-history-of-rare-pepes/).