Author: Imogen Aldridge
Is there anything better than an artwork that can put a smile on your face? Whether it's a limited edition print that evokes a fond memory, or a witty sculpture that makes you laugh, we believe that surrounding yourself with uplifting art is good for the soul. This viewing room is a love letter to art that makes you smile; these artworks are the perfect mood booster for those grey winter days. We're all about gifting joyful art to get you in the giving spirit.
Who says that great art has to be serious and introspective? There’s nothing like an artwork that has the power to make you smile. Whether it’s through witty typography musings, cheeky compositions or references to popular culture, art that lifts your spirit is a must-have for your walls. So, how can you use humour to bring your home to life? This viewing room is a celebration of all things joyful. From the witty cultural references of RYCA and Whatshisname to the vibrant artworks of Newton Davey, Otto Schade and Mark Petty, this collection of artists endeavour to put a smile on your face.
At Art Republic, we love to celebrate our artists’ ability to spread joy with their unique humour. The artists in this viewing room create effective prints that make the art world more approachable to a wider audience, meaning that people from all walks of life can find joy within their artworks.
As the festive season is approaching, why not spread joy with the gift of art? December is just around the corner, so now is the time to stock up on those presents. This viewing room is packed with affordable art options for those people that are notoriously tricky to buy for. Inspire others with art this Christmas by gifting them a limited edition artwork that’ll last a lifetime.
From emojis to pop culture references to his signature street art style, contemporary artist RYCA is a master of experimentation. Using playful jokes and witty cultural references, RYCA creates refreshing and relatable artworks that are a must-see for contemporary art lovers. RYCA’s first foray into smile-centric art was his set of 3D smiley faces, emblematic of 1980s acid rave culture. Since then, he has experimented with various processes and has perfected the art of adding wit and spirit into his artworks.
Humpek Purple Sculpture by Whatshisname - £240
Playful, light-hearted and sometimes a bit naughty, Whatshisname’s art is a surefire way to add humour to your home. Whatshisname’s satirical designs are a funny take on popular culture, particularly the work of American artist Jeff Koons. The artist's name alone stirs intrigue, and their body of work is intended to challenge the viewer and push the boundaries of what we consider to be “art”. Whatshisname’s bold designs and playful cast of characters are out of the ordinary, intriguing viewers with their subtle yet witty changes. From his parodic sculptures to public projects, every Whatshisname artwork is a visually powerful pop culture statement that is sure to bring a smile to your face.
London Smiley (Red) by Otto Schade - £150
Chilean-born artist Otto Schade combines surrealism, street art and bold compositions to great effect. With an artistic style fluctuating between the boundaries of abstraction and surrealism, Schade offers his audience a unique insight into his dreams and obsessions. We love how the artist uses popular culture and current events as inspiration, merging his surreal ideas with well-known motifs. Schade is heavily influenced by London’s street art scene and his love for architecture; his famous ribboned style is his own version of a street artist’s tag.
Party Night by Newton Davey - £225
Newton Davey, also known as David Newton, is a London-based illustrator, screen printer and picture book maker. The celebration of colour and form is at the heart of the artist’s artworks, regardless of whether they are clashing or not. Davey’s artworks glow with joy and positivity, all the way down to his uplifting typography and vibrant compositions. The artist says that his “happy place is where worlds and images collide - I celebrate this in my storytelling”. We love how Davey is a champion of happiness, and this shines through in his screenprints. If you’re looking for artwork that will lift your mood, then Newton Davey has you covered.
Fit To Burst... by Mark Petty - £145
Mark Petty is a specialist in hand-pulled screen prints and glass gold gilding. The talented artist incorporates diamond dust, gold leaf and hand-painted finishes into his artworks to create screen prints that shine with personality. Petty’s dazzling works of art are steeped in contemporary culture and references to current trends. We love how Petty can take something as simple as a balloon and imbue it with a sense of fun and light-heartedness. Petty elevates his art through humour, creating polished, statement art pieces that are sure to put a smile on your face.
Have we got you in the laughing mood? If you love to laugh and want to brighten your space with a bit of playfulness, our curated collection features a wide range of humorous artworks. Take a look - click here.
