OLAF BREUNING

Humor

I believe my cats lack humor. They never laugh at my jokes, which leaves me wondering whether my jokes are good or if my cats do not understand me. From the beginning, my creativity always needed humor to approach people. Not because I see myself as a funny guy but because humor is such a good ladder to more serious thoughts about this life. Life in itself is rather a tragic event. It could be a beautiful journey for some, but the end is the same depressive fact for all. We all die. It’s not a funny perspective at all. Humor helps to create a distance from this brutal reality. And, of course, there are moments in life where humor is not welcome. But since art can be a space where people seek inspiration to see life from another perspective, I think humor is a legitimate part of it. I see it as an intellectual approach to explaining our world, creating a healthy distance to observe and digest heavy topics. I love it, and I love other people with humor, and of course, I do love my cats, even if they have none. 

Below are a few samples of my humor-infused language. However, all my works have humor; I could post all my work down there.  Please do not associate humor with childishness and stupidity. It is much more than that, at last, for me to produce my work.  

Mr. Hand, Mrs. Ass, Mrs. Knee, Mr. Hand, 2004, C-Print, 4 Ed. + 2 AP: 122 x 155 cm (48 x 61 in.), 6 Ed. + 2 AP: 80 x 100 cm (32 x 39 in.)
I will be an Idiot, 2016, Archival ink on paper, 149 x 114 cm / 58.66 x 44.88 inches
Angry Nature, 2022, C-Print, 6 Ed. + 2 AP: 122 x 155 cm (48 x 61 in.)
Easter Bunnies, 2004, C-Print, 4 Ed. + 2 AP: 122 x 155 cm (48 x 61 in.), 6 Ed. + 2 AP: 80 x 100 cm (32 x 39 in.)
Mother Nature, 2018, aluminum, metal structure, car paint, 450 cm x 350 cm, @foundation carmignac
Complaining Forest, 2010, C-Print, 6 Ed. + 2 AP: 132 x 190 cm (52 x 74 6 in.)
Why Can Humans Be so Disgusting?, 2017, material: ceramic, underglaze colors, glaze fired, 27 x 22 cm , hight 4 cm, 24 pieces, black and white, edition 1/1
Black Hole In My Garden, 2019, C-Print, 6 Ed. + 2 AP: 122 x 155 cm (48 x 61 in.)
Double, 2002, C-Print, 5 Ed. + 2 AP: 122 x 155 cm (48 x 61 in.), 10 Ed. + 2 AP: 80 x 100 cm (32 x 39 in.)
Clown, No Reason, 2014, Carrara marble, 45 x 55 x 170 cm (17 x 21 x 67 in.)
Only One, 2000 Knives, swords, armor, leather, mannequin, table, hardware 2 Ed. : 50 x 130 x 170 cm (19 6 x 51 4 x 67 in.)
A Group of Unstable Lemon Pigs, 2005, Fake fruits, ladder, plank of wood, 2 Ed. : 600 x 600 cm (236 x 236 in.)
Impossible Balance Act, 2008, C-Print, 6 Ed. + 2 AP: 152 x 190 cm (59 x 74 in.)
Poor Cow, 2016, material: ceramic, underglaze colors, glaze fired, plate 72 x 22 cm, hight 30 cm, 10 pieces, different colors, edition 1/1

And so on…