Friday Lates: Art and the absurd

Once upon a time, art in the west was expected to be beautiful and uplifting – a source of aesthetic and moral elevation. Today, we could argue that beauty has been replaced by art that is interesting, frustrating, thoughtful, and in some cases – completely ridiculous and utterly absurd. Why should we pay attention to art that seems to mock our sensibilities, or accept the audacity of artists who seem hell bent on destroying our deep values about serious art?
Drawing on examples from 20th century artistic practice, cultural theorist and practitioner Ian Tucknott explores the theory and practice of absurdity in a celebration of anarchic artists and the potentially profound affect of humour and laughter on our personal and artistic sensibilities.