
REDEMPTION JOKES explores the connection between humour and critique in contemporary art. Oreet Ashery, Young-Hae Chang Heavy Industries, Dolanbay, Amit Epstein, Grit Hachmeister & Claudia Gülzow, Wilhelm Klotzek, Donna Kukama, Bjørn Melhus, Falke Pisano, Studio Spektral und Liam O’Callaghan in conversation with Fotini Lazaridou-Hatzigoga developed exhibition design. There is one great misunderstanding. We like to think that a deep, profound analysis requires being very serious. Humor is considered to be its very opposite, revealing the superficial side of things. And especially humor that leads to laughter, this most visible expression of happiness, is thought to annihilate any importance… [An Paenhuysen, Berlin Art Week magazine, 2015] REDEMPTION JOKES explores the connection between humour and critique in contemporary art. With a view to their aesthetic grammars and social contexts, the project presents artistic forms of subversive wit. Directed against patriarchal seriousness, humour is also used to confront cultural phobias. Inspired by queer-feminist and anti-colonial practices, the project features artistic approaches that probe ambivalent laughter at social and political relations and cause interpretations and power relations to stutter. Supported by Goetheinstitut, Bureau for Paradoxical Relations: Anna Bromley, Teena Lange, Michael Fesca, Susanne Husse, Jana Sotzko |

In March 2015, the research and test phase of the project was presented in the Bureau for Paradoxical Relations in the gallery of the nGbK with workshops and events in a office enviroment by Sol Calero.