Invites you to explore the intersection and offers a thought-provoking journey through the complexities of human existence

The Define Comedy exhibition, currently being held at Wisma 46, Jakarta, from December 7, 2024, to February 7, 2025, invites visitors to explore the deep connection between comedy and tragedy in art. These two concepts, often seen as opposing forces, are deeply intertwined in their depiction of the complexities of the human condition. The exhibition focuses on the tragicomic space, where laughter and despair meet, transcending shallow amusement to engage with existential and philosophical questions.

The exhibition traces the roots of comedy, from Dante Alighieri’s monumental work Divine Comedy to the folk art traditions and contemporary art of Southeast Asia. In the medieval era, comedy often served as a subversive force, conveying social critique through humor wrapped in carnival traditions and miracle plays. Meanwhile, in the Renaissance, tragicomedy written by authors like Shakespeare blurred the boundaries between the two genres, presenting works that combined light-hearted moments with profound moral and existential dilemmas.

Similarly, in Southeast Asia, art forms like Javanese ludruk and Filipino komedya employed satire to challenge authority and expose contradictions within society. This tradition continues to evolve today, as artists navigate the tragicomic intersection of humor and critique, addressing the absurdities of modern life, from bureaucratic alienation to the digital spectacle.

Tragedy and Comedy as Existential Lenses

The exhibition illustrates how comedy and tragedy can coexist as two complementary lenses through which to examine the absurdities, contradictions, and profound truths of life. By addressing the fluidity between these two genres, the exhibition highlights the enduring relevance of the tragicomic in art, where laughter becomes a tool for reflection and redemption amidst chaos and uncertainty.

One of the standout works in the exhibition is created by Luh'De Gita, who tackles themes of post-reality, identity, and overtourism in Bali. Inspired by Dante’s Inferno, she portrays souls yearning for peace along the river Acheron, while those punished for wrath are trapped in the River Styx.

Gita is also inspired by the Kecak Dance, which connects the triumph of Hanoman over the fire ignited by Rahwana’s troops, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The Kecak dance, rooted in the ancient Balinese ritual Sanghyang, reflects a spiritual exorcism that aligns with her belief in universal justice.

The "Define Comedy" exhibition offers a deep journey through works that blend humor and tragedy, encouraging visitors to reflect on the world and the meaning behind art. By providing space to understand how humor can be used for self-reflection and redemption, the exhibition presents a perspective that is not only entertaining but also deeply philosophical. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this thought-provoking exhibition, open every day from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM WIB.

photo source : instagram.com/isaart.id

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