In recent years, the relationship between humour and art has appealed immensely to the imagination of theorists and curators as we can see from the voluminous publications, the number of theme issues of magazines and the increasingly growing number of prestigious exhibitions that are devoted to this topic. This reveals a rich and diverse field in the arts.
The insight in the subtle differences between the various approaches of the theme is growing and their interpretation or reading is becoming more nuanced, more attentive and more appreciated.
Any contribution to this growing international research project will have to start by accurately defining a part of this field of research.
HessenHuis and Cakehouse, which have partnered for this exhibition, therefore chose to put the focal point where tragedy and comedy intersect in the spotlight. These two accents in the arts can supplement each or easily serve as one another’s counterpoint.
Humour can be a fun host for the spectator, helping somebody understand the work. The spectator is seduced by what seems to be a simple image or situation at first glance. However, once he has let his guard down, the work of art presents a much less rosy and much more layered message.
Lieven Segers (Cakehouse), who is an artist himself and the guest curator of this exhibition, finds that humour has become an important yardstick for him. In a sense it has become a technique for transposing his ideas and experiences into an artistic practice. On the other hand, it has become an almost vital property for finding something appealing in the work of others.
The other artists:
- Fred Bervoets (BE)
- Nick Hullegie (NL)
- Bissy Bunder (DE/BE)
- Lisa Jeannin (SE)
- Olaf Breuning (CH)
- Daniel Johnston (US)
- Vaast Colson (BE)
- Peter Lemmens (BE)
- Anton Cotteleer (BE)
- Michèle Matyn (BE)
- Jos de Gruyter & Harald Thys (BE)
- Julien Prévieux (FR)
- Geert Goiris (BE)
- Guy Rombouts (BE)
- Kati Heck (DE)
- Franck Scurti (FR)
- Roman Signer (CH)
- Dennis Tyfus (BE)
- Bart Van Dijck (BE)
- Marijn Van Kreij (NL)
- Erik Van Lieshout (NL)
- Markus Vater (DE)