IMAGE
Memes collected by the Alexander Turnbull Library
- Date
- February 2020 - February 2022
- Reference
- ATL-Group-00546
- Description
Collection of memes and digital ephemera compiled by the Alexander Turnbull Library from February 2020 to February 2022, to document the use of memes as a form of internet expression in Aotearoa New Zealand during the first two years of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Memes are image files often including user-generated text, typically humorous or satirical in nature, which are created, copied, and shared rapidly by Internet users. These are often posted to social media or direct messaging apps, and remixed and repurposed by other internet users to respond to current events. Creators of memes are unknown, except where stated.
The collection comprises a sampling of memes shared across social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit. Memes in the collection reflect a variety of viewpoints, and provide commentary on particular cultural moments in time. A majority are specific to Aotearoa New Zealand.
The majority of memes in the collection relate to the global COVID-19 pandemic, and associated lockdowns in Aotearoa New Zealand, social distancing, working from home, and personal hygiene. The greatest number of memes collected on Aotearoa New Zealand social media was during the months in which there were national or regional lockdowns and alert level changes, most notably in April 2020 during the Covid-19 Alert Level 4 lockdown. Many memes document experiences and feelings of New Zealanders during lockdown. Some memes show examples of misinformation and disinformation relating to COVID-19.
Another significant topic featured is New Zealand politics, politicians, and political parties, particularly in the lead up to the 2020 General Election. American and Australian politics, race relations, television, film, and popular culture are also prominent themes in the collection.
This online content was collected as part of the Library’s rapid response collecting regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns/alert level changes in Aotearoa New Zealand. Viewpoints reflected in the collection do not represent the views of the Library or its staff. An algorithm chooses one image for display on the Library's website.
If you are a rightsholder and have reason to believe we should not be providing access to this preserved content, please contact the Library.
See also ATL-Group-00495, Ephemera donated to and collected by the Alexander Turnbull Library from 2020, for printed ephemera collected by the Library.
Information about the New Zealand Web Archive is available at https://natlib.govt.nz/collections/a-z/new-zealand-web-archive.
Quantity: 3338 digital image(s).
Processing information: Memes by unknown creators have been described as monthly sets, with file names supplied by the Library. Memes that were harvested from publicly available Aotearoa New Zealand social media pages have been described separately, retaining their original algorithmic file name structure.
- Access restrictions
- No access restrictions - Some memes contain strong language. Viewer discretion is advised.
- Format
- 3338 digital image(s), Cartoons (Commentary), Digital images, Ephemera, Social media
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Copyright
UnknownMemes shared online in June 2020
Date: June 2020
From: Memes collected by the Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: EPHDL-0437
Description: Sampling of memes posted to social media in June 2020. Image files relate to current events, particularly the Covid-19 pandemic, race relations, social life, politics, and popular culture in Aotearoa New Zealand. This online content was collected as part of the Library’s rapid response collecting regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns/alert level changes in Aotearoa New Zealand. Viewpoints reflected in the collection do not represent the views of the Library or its staff. An algorithm chooses one image for display on the Library's website. If you are a rightsholder and have reason to believe we should not be providing access to this preserved content, please contact the Library. Title supplied by Library. Quantity: 67 digital image(s).
Memes posted by the 'Fans of Sir Dr Ashley Bloomfield' Facebook page
Date: 2020
From: Memes collected by the Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: EPHDL-0428
Description: Sampling of memes posted to the 'Fans of Sir Dr Ashley Bloomfield' Facebook page. Note that this is a fan page, and has no affiliation with the Director General of Health. This online content was collected as part of the Library’s rapid response collecting regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns/alert level changes in Aotearoa New Zealand. Viewpoints reflected in the collection do not represent the views of the Library or its staff. An algorithm chooses one image for display on the Library's website. If you are a rightsholder and have reason to believe we should not be providing access to this preserved content, please contact the Library. Title supplied by Library. Dr Ashley Bloomfield is the chief executive of the Ministry of Health and New Zealand's Director-General of Health. He held press conferences on the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand beginning 27 January 2020, and daily 1pm briefings during lockdown. Quantity: 130 digital image(s).
Memes shared online in December 2020
Date: December 2020
From: Memes collected by the Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: EPHDL-0443
Description: Memes posted to social media in December 2020. Image files relate to current events, particularly the Covid-19 pandemic, social life, politics, and popular culture in Aotearoa New Zealand. This online content was collected as part of the Library’s rapid response collecting regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns/alert level changes in Aotearoa New Zealand. Viewpoints reflected in the collection do not represent the views of the Library or its staff. An algorithm chooses one image for display on the Library's website. If you are a rightsholder and have reason to believe we should not be providing access to this preserved content, please contact the Library. Title supplied by Library. Quantity: 5 digital image(s).
Memes shared online in July 2020
Date: July 2020
From: Memes collected by the Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: EPHDL-0438
Description: Sampling of memes posted to social media in July 2020. Image files relate to current events, particularly the Covid-19 pandemic, social life, politics, and popular culture in Aotearoa New Zealand. This online content was collected as part of the Library’s rapid response collecting regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns/alert level changes in Aotearoa New Zealand. Viewpoints reflected in the collection do not represent the views of the Library or its staff. An algorithm chooses one image for display on the Library's website. If you are a rightsholder and have reason to believe we should not be providing access to this preserved content, please contact the Library. Title supplied by Library. Quantity: 24 digital image(s).
Memes shared online in April 2020
Date: April 2020
From: Memes collected by the Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: EPHDL-0435
Description: Sampling of memes posted to social media in April 2020. Image files relate to current events, particularly the Covid-19 pandemic, Covid-19 Alert Level 4 lockdown, and shift to Alert Level 3. Also includes memes relating to politics and politicians, Director General of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, and popular culture in Aotearoa New Zealand. This online content was collected as part of the Library’s rapid response collecting regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns/alert level changes in Aotearoa New Zealand. Viewpoints reflected in the collection do not represent the views of the Library or its staff. An algorithm chooses one image for display on the Library's website. If you are a rightsholder and have reason to believe we should not be providing access to this preserved content, please contact the Library. Title supplied by Library. Quantity: 316 digital image(s).
Memes shared online in September 2020
Date: September 2020
From: Memes collected by the Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: EPHDL-0440
Description: Sampling of memes posted to social media in September 2020. Image files relate to current events, particularly the Covid-19 pandemic, and the 2020 General Election, politics and politicians, and popular culture in Aotearoa New Zealand. This online content was collected as part of the Library’s rapid response collecting regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns/alert level changes in Aotearoa New Zealand. Viewpoints reflected in the collection do not represent the views of the Library or its staff. An algorithm chooses one image for display on the Library's website. If you are a rightsholder and have reason to believe we should not be providing access to this preserved content, please contact the Library. Title supplied by Library. Quantity: 32 digital image(s).
Memes shared online in August 2020
Date: August 2020
From: Memes collected by the Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: EPHDL-0439
Description: Sampling of memes posted to social media in August 2020. Image files relate to current events, particularly the Covid-19 pandemic and second lockdown in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, as well as the 2020 General Election, politics and politicians, and popular culture in Aotearoa New Zealand. This online content was collected as part of the Library’s rapid response collecting regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns/alert level changes in Aotearoa New Zealand. Viewpoints reflected in the collection do not represent the views of the Library or its staff. An algorithm chooses one image for display on the Library's website. If you are a rightsholder and have reason to believe we should not be providing access to this preserved content, please contact the Library. Title supplied by Library. Quantity: 54 digital image(s).
Memes shared online in March 2020
Date: March 2020
From: Memes collected by the Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: EPHDL-0434
Description: Sampling of memes posted to social media in March 2020. Image files relate to current events, particularly the novel coronavirus global pandemic, Aotearoa New Zealand's Covid-19 Alert Level 4 lockdown, politics, politicians, and popular culture. This online content was collected as part of the Library’s rapid response collecting regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns/alert level changes in Aotearoa New Zealand. Viewpoints reflected in the collection do not represent the views of the Library or its staff. An algorithm chooses one image for display on the Library's website. If you are a rightsholder and have reason to believe we should not be providing access to this preserved content, please contact the Library. Title supplied by Library. Quantity: 155 digital image(s).
Memes posted to the 'Memes of New Zealand' Facebook page
Date: 2020
From: Memes collected by the Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: EPHDL-0429
Description: Sampling of memes posted to the Memes of New Zealand publicly available Facebook group, created 5 April 2020. Memes include a range of viewpoints and topics. This online content was collected as part of the Library’s rapid response collecting regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns/alert level changes in Aotearoa New Zealand. Viewpoints reflected in the collection do not represent the views of the Library or its staff. An algorithm chooses one image for display on the Library's website. If you are a rightsholder and have reason to believe we should not be providing access to this preserved content, please contact the Library. Title supplied by Library. Quantity: 26 digital image(s).
Memes shared online in October 2020
Date: October 2020
From: Memes collected by the Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: EPHDL-0441
Description: Sampling of memes posted to social media in October 2020. Image files relate to current events, particularly the Covid-19 pandemic, 2020 General Election, politics and politicians, and popular culture in Aotearoa New Zealand. This online content was collected as part of the Library’s rapid response collecting regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns/alert level changes in Aotearoa New Zealand. Viewpoints reflected in the collection do not represent the views of the Library or its staff. An algorithm chooses one image for display on the Library's website. If you are a rightsholder and have reason to believe we should not be providing access to this preserved content, please contact the Library. Title supplied by Library. Quantity: 48 digital image(s).