Known for its unique fare of thought-provoking and comprehensive exhibitions that give you the "greatest hits" of a theme or period, the Mori Art Museum is now tackling the complex topic of humor in a two-part exhibition running till May 6.
The two shows, "The Smile in Japanese Art" and "All About Laughter," are a natural extension of the museum's inaugural 2003 exhibition, "Happiness: A Survival Guide for Art and Life," and explore myriad forms of humor -- gags, satire, slapstick, farce, jokes -- and the complicated emotions that can lurk behind laughter.
"The Smile in Japanese Art," subtitled "From the Jomon Period to the Early Twentieth Century," was assembled by curator Mami Hirose as a historical survey of humor in the works of about 100 classic Japanese artists. Sixteen pieces have never been exhibited before, and some of the older works, which were difficult to attain, will be on display for only a brief time. A major rotation of works will be made after 50 days.