QCQ 3
MAURICE PIERRE JR
The Gravity of Levity: Humor as Conceptual Critique, by Heather Diack
QCQ
Quote: “Anthropologists have observed how true laughter exposes a momentary loss of self-control. Whether humor produces guttural laughter or simply a nod to a clever maneuver in rationale, the body is undoubtedly implicated in the life of the mind whenever laughter is concerned.”
Comment: I personally believe that there isn’t anything wrong with implicating humor into art. I can’t agree that laughter is the foundation in which philosophy has started its foundations, as the literature has depicted. Though, I believe, philosophy in its principal was the attempt at understanding life, its meaning and the discipline needed to obtain one’s own philosophy into reality. I do agree that humor can create a mental shift that can spark inspiration or set the mind into a different perspective in their world. This, in opinion, actually adds more to an art piece rather than detract from it. Humor provides a certain kind of seasoning to an art piece that will cause more joy than any other work of art. Art in history has rejected the idea of laughter in art because I believe artists, at that time, wanted their works to mean something on a personal level rather than just for entertainment. We often associate humor with, despite its positive results and joyous reactions, with negative connotations. When the public thinks of humor or laughter its often associated with a level of disrespect, a lack of acknowledgement, or considering a matter to be trivial. All these things considered, I still believe that humor needs to be included in art to some degree because its refreshing. Laughter, to me, is like a restart or a fun moment of clarity. we can consider most of art to be a nutritious meal that gives us a taste of understanding and yet humor is like the dessert that you have to have to complete the meal. Its tastes sweet and delicious but if you have to much of it, then it could rot your way of thinking and approaching art or any subject as a whole. It’s there to remind ourselves to not take ourselves to seriously. We can’t place too much importance on our own opinions, actions, and thoughts because this life is short and we all are heading closer each day to the grave. So, why indulge a little in that aspect of confection in life, if given the chance.
Question: how do you feel about humor being induced within art? Do you think humor improves art or does it do the opposite? Should humor in art be placed within its own category or do you think it should be broadly applied? what are your thoughts on laughter/humor and its relations to psychology in art.