Humor In Art

Since witnessing some of the grand masters at the Chicago Art Institute and the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution - I have come to realize the special importance portrait art holds.  Portraits not only inform us of  individuals, but of particular  habits, customs, classes and cultures.  A moment in time which serves to educate future viewers about a family member or a cultural revolution.  The styles vary - from classical to abstract, oil paint to clay - but the need to communicate the idea of existence - ‘I was here’ is universal.  Historically, most portrait artists were tradesmen- their ability to record images on canvas or stone was their livelihood, and their patrons the rich and powerful.  Today, portrait artists intent maybe be different, some may create for commissions , some create upon inspired whim, but the result is the same - a moment in time, a person in time, recorded for future family and cultures to observe, speculate and learn.