What’s So Funny About Modern Art?

Modern art takes itself much too seriously. Even the Pop artists often took the fun out of whatever they touched—a reverse Midas touch rendering even comedy gold into dross. Andy Warhol immortalized Elvis and Marilyn not at their peak of pure joy, but at their most tragic low. In Renegade Humor, which runs at the San Jose Museum of Art through July 8, 2012, the search for a sense of humor in modern art finally succeeds. Gathering together art since 1960 from the SJMA’s collection as well as pieces designed especially for the exhibition, Renegade Humor goes maverick and bucks the trend. Renegade Humor plays for laughs, but also proves that you can laugh and think at the same time. Please come over to Picture This at Big Think to read more of "What’s So Funny About Modern Art?"

[Image: Peter VandenBerge. Couple Watching Saturday Night Movie, 1969. Ceramic. 13 x 12 x 11 inches. San Jose Museum of Art. Museum purchase with funds from the Collection Committee.]

[Many thanks to the San Jose Museum of Art for the image above and other press materials related to Renegade Humor, which runs through July 8, 2012.]