The Challenge of Fun: Sumnik, Kochen and court show ‘comedy is king’ in June at MAM

– by Michael J. Krainak

      In a complex, postmodern world, it’s reassuring that there are artists who can step back from the fray with a sense of humor.
      Mind you, they take their work seriously, but they remind us not to take our problems and ourselves so rigidly that we fail to take stock of life’s simple pleasures. Mark Twain said, “Laughter was our greatest weapon.” Lenny Bruce called it “the only honest art form.” Health sciences consider it the best medicine for what ails us.
      In any art form—theater, literature, music or the visual arts--comedy is the most universal because it speaks the same language. Ironically, regardless of medium, the axiom, “tragedy is easy, comedy is hard,” rings true, particularly for the artist and performer. Knowing all of the above, the viewer may especially appreciate what participating artists contribute in The Challenge of Fun, the current exhibit at Modern Arts Midtown.
      The Challenge of Fun features the sculptural work of Omahan Iggy Sumnik and paintings of Mark Kochen from Sioux City, Iowa. The exhibit also... (to continue reading click here)