3-D Wit

Artists have demonstrated their wit through humor and satire for millennia, with origins credited to the ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes. In countless manifestations, works of literature and art might take playful aim at critiquing a subject in ways that make us laugh. On the other hand, artists might express anger and indignation at subjects they find morally reprehensible, yet use humor-infused satire to lure audiences to appealing imagery before delivering their pointed critiques. Sometimes a simple play of words, or pun, has the greatest impact for its seemingly effortless condensation of philosophy and hidden meaning. Often the choice of materials contributes to a tongue-in-cheek message, or as Marshall McLuhan said in 1967: “The medium is the massage.”

Drawing on these principles, this exhibition presents sculpture in the collection, including recently acquired work.  “BIG EGO” by Nancy Dwyer, which mimics attention-getting, oversized, inflatable characters, and is installed on the Louise Terrace. Several assemblages comprised of found metal objects are shown to pay homage to Westley (Wes) Olmsted who passed away in March. Also represented are sculptors Dianne Baker, John McQueen, Christy Rupp and Bill Stewart, and artist book designer Allison Wilton. The exhibition was organized by Nancy Weekly, Head of Collections and the Charles Cary Rumsey Curator.