Exploring Humor in Photography: The 'Funny Business' Exhibition

At the Phoenix Art Museum, a groundbreaking exhibition titled **Funny Business** is currently on display, showcasing diverse approaches to humor within the realm of photography. The exhibition, which runs until January 4, 2026, features a variety of photographic styles that explore the intersection of comedy and visual art. Curated by Emilia Mickevicius, the exhibition highlights the unique capability of photography to capture humor that disrupts expectations and offers profound insights into human experience.

**The Role of Humor in Art** Humor often occupies a secondary place in the art world, perceived more as an accessory than a core element. However, **Funny Business** challenges this notion by affirming that humor can serve as a powerful lens through which to view and interpret photographs. According to Mickevicius, "Photography's special relationship to reality allows it to embody humor effectively because it captures moments that can defy expectations."

The exhibition features a broad spectrum of works, including whimsical, surreal, and ironic compositions. Notable pieces include **Duck and Boxer** by Hungarian photographer Camilla "Ylla" Koffler, depicting two animals in a seemingly absurd scenario on a beach. This photograph exemplifies the delightful absurdity that humor can bring to the art of photography, prompting viewers to reconsider the very nature of photographic truth.

Another striking example is Jo Ann Callis’s **Parrot and Sailboat** (1980), which juxtaposes a parrot perched on the edge of a bathtub with a toy sailboat floating nearby. This composition evokes a Lynchian sense of unease, pushing the boundaries of interpretation and emotional response. Mickevicius notes, "These photographs serve as riddles, challenging the audience to decipher the complexities embedded within each image."

**A Multifaceted Experience** The exhibition also features street photography from Garry Winogrand, capturing a moment of unexpected humor with a woman gazing into the lens while rhinoceroses engage in a tussle behind her. This example illustrates how timing is crucial in comedic photography, with humor often hinging on the serendipitous alignment of elements within a frame.

Furthermore, **Funny Business** includes contemporary works such as Jeff Mermelstein's iPhone videos, which document quirky interactions in the streets of New York City. Mickevicius describes these pieces as an expression of "affectionate voyeurism," allowing viewers to enjoy the peculiarities of everyday life.

Steffi Faircloth’s **Bordertown ASMR** series also finds a place in the exhibition, where she humorously engages with the stark realities of life near the U.S.-Mexico border. One video features Faircloth enjoying a Mexican elote in front of a border wall, juxtaposing joy with the serious implications of border politics. Mickevicius highlights how Faircloth’s work embodies the coexistence of pleasure and suffering, a theme that resonates throughout the exhibition.

**Cultural Significance** The **Funny Business** exhibition not only entertains but also serves as a platform for deeper reflections on art and society. Mickevicius expresses her delight in hearing laughter echoing through the galleries, hoping that this joy will encourage viewers to explore new perspectives on art. "Art has the power to transform how we perceive the world around us," she states, underscoring the exhibition's goal to foster engagement and interpretation among audiences.

In conclusion, **Funny Business: Photography and Humor** invites visitors to engage with humor as a vital aspect of photography, challenging traditional perceptions of art. This exhibition at the Phoenix Art Museum is a celebration of laughter and a call for viewers to embrace the complexities of visual storytelling. As the exhibition continues to attract interest, it stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between humor and the visual arts.