Exploring the funny side of art.

Why so serious? It’s a question often aimed at art - and, perhaps, for good reason. For some artists, however, visual mediums provide the perfect opportunity to crack a joke, play with the absurd, and spread the kind of infectious humour that is sure to brighten anyone’s day.

Phillipe Le Miere 'The Saloon'

There is something delightfully delicious about a work of art that catches us by surprise and makes us laugh. From visual plays on words to worlds that seem to have sprung directly from the artist’s imagination, this select curation of works is sure to intrigue, amuse and entertain.

For some artists, art offers an opportunity to let their creativity run wild. Hannah Caprice, for example, takes creatures from the natural world and makes them larger than life, creating an intriguing sense of wonder. In her humorously titled ‘New Homeowner’ and ‘Rental Crisis’, animals are given distinctly human characteristics – a playful reflection of the world around us. 

For many, Michael Leunig’s works are the epitome of humour in art. The beloved cartoonist had a remarkable ability to take small, familiar moments of everyday life and transform them into scenes of collective amusement. In ‘Dishebana’, a bewildered figure sits in-front of a kitchen dishwasher, turning to a self-help book for guidance. This work is a domestic haiku, providing a comedic meditation on the peculiarities of life.

Michael Leunig 'Dishebana (The Japanese Art of Dishwasher Stacking)'

Of course, some artists might suggest that the best way to make an audience laugh is to shock them. Adam Cullen and Reg Mombassa are masters of this approach, often using irreverence, satire and a healthy dose of provocation to challenge our expectations and offend our delicate sensibilities.

For those looking for a little moment of laughter in their day, let these works be your inspiration. After all, when faced with the absurdity of everyday life, sometimes laughter is the only response.

Rona Green 'Rendezvous at the Opera'

Adam Cullen 'Couple'