This painting is putting a twist on Raphael’s “School of Athens”. In the original work, Plato and Aristotle are showcased in the center, surrounded by scholars, philosophers and scientists. In my version, Socrates has moved to the center as he has been known to inspire Plato’s work, hence deserving a central spot. The mood of the painting has changed as Socrates is playing “Substitute Teacher” and turned the School of Athens into a dance party; just like how in real life, substitute teachers are more “relaxed” with the students. Each of the character depicted in the original work has been transformed into dancers/partygoers.

“Substitute Teacher” is a modern, irreverent vision inspired by “School of Athens”. Plato wrote in his “Symposium” about drinking while discussing philosophy with other great minds. Raphael’s work added contemporary characters into the fold such as himself and Leonardo da Vinci. In my work, I have added contemporary pop artists such as Psy who is the mastermind behind the viral Gangnam style as well as moonwalking Michael Jackson with his signature glove and fedora. You will also find a scribe on the bottom left of the painting drawing Socrates as a clown on his stone tablet.