Art is a funny thing when it wants to be. Stretching back to the ancient Greeks, and the graffiti artists of Caesar’s Rome, all the way to artists like Banksy today, humour has been a part of art and art a part of humour. Memes are art when done right.

Humour as a Catalyst for Reflection and Engagement
Humour can serve as a way for its audience to look into themselves, and engage with art. Through comedy, artists can provoke thought, challenge societal norms, and incite conversations on various subjects. By cleverly blending wit, satire, and irony, comedic artworks offer a fresh perspective on cultural, social, and political issues.

This palette of punditry creates opportunities for artist of all stripes to make their art accessible to the masses. Cartoons, stand-up comedy, or visual art, all humour can be used as a societal lever that moves people to critically examine their own beliefs, question the status quo, or begin to actively participate in shaping society. Art can lead to action, through the truth in comedy. Why are things funny, after all?

Caricature and Political Commentary
Caricature, as a form of visual satire, has long been employed to convey political commentary and social criticism. Artists throughout history, such as Honoré Daumier, have utilised exaggerated features and humorous depictions to expose the follies and hypocrisy of politicians, public figures, and societal structures. Artist and photographer Lucy Ridges shoots comedy portraits in Manchester using creative portrait photography techniques. These can find humour in serious musician photography, and the seriousness in comedian portraits Manchester and across the UK.

By distorting and exaggerating physical traits, caricatures not only entertain but also serve as a powerful means of exposing underlying truths. These satirical artworks often have a dual purpose of amusing audiences while serving as a sharp critique of power dynamics, corruption, and the misuse of authority. Through caricature, artists bring levity to serious subjects and challenge the status quo through laughter and visual wit.

Performing Comedic Relief in Tragedy
In the realm of theatre and literature, the concept of comedic relief has played a significant role in providing moments of respite amidst tragedy. The presence of humour in tragic narratives, as exemplified by the works of Shakespeare, has the ability to alleviate tension and offer temporary solace to the audience.

Comedic relief serves as a reminder of the complexities and contradictions of human existence, showcasing the resilience and absurdity of life. Characters such as the Shakespearean fools or the physical comedy of Buster Keaton provide a counterbalance to the weighty themes, allowing audiences to emotionally engage with the story while also finding moments of joy and laughter amidst the turmoil.

Subverting Artistic Conventions Through Humour
Humour can be a powerful tool for artists to subvert and challenge artistic conventions. By using wit, irony, and unexpected juxtapositions, artists disrupt traditional expectations and create thought-provoking artworks that challenge the status quo.

Through their works, artists like Banksy defy the boundaries of traditional art spaces, utilising street art and graffiti to deliver social and political commentary with a touch of humour. Roy Lichtenstein employs parody and humour to satirise the commercialisation of art itself, breaking the fourth wall with the viewer and provoking critical and comedic cultural commentary.

These are just some examples of art using humour to be a subversive force that disrupts established norms, stimulates dialogue, and encourages fresh perspectives in the art world.