The article examines the philosophical and literary significance of laughter in François Rabelais's work, particularly *Gargantua and Pantagruel*, contrasting his celebratory view with the predominantly negative assessments of laughter in Western philosophy from Plato to Hobbes. It highlights how Rabelais channels a durable tradition of folk humor as a form of affirmative relief from oppression and official solemnity.
Artist-filmmaker John Smith discussed his latest autobiographical film, 'Being John Smith,' in an interview with Nataliia Serebriakova following a screening. The film explores his lifelong relationship with having one of the most common English names, a subject he was finally inspired to tackle after witnessing a Pulp concert where the crowd became a unified mass during the song "Common People." He describes the project as cathartic, addressing the daily jokes and challenges of individuality tied to his name.
A new exhibition titled "Resilience" has opened at the Hartlepool Art Gallery, featuring works by 50 artists selected through an open call for individuals with ties to the town. Inspired by the 100th anniversary of the General Strike, the show explores themes of personal survival, psychological recovery, community bonds, and overcoming barriers. Five artists have been shortlisted by an independent panel, and visitors can vote for their favorite artwork, with the winner earning a solo exhibition at the gallery. A companion display, "Hartlepool’s Resilience," curated by local museum volunteers, presents objects and artworks from the borough council’s collection.
A new exhibition titled 'Resilience' has opened at Hartlepool Art Gallery, running until July 4, 2025. Featuring 50 artists with ties to Hartlepool, selected through an open call, the show explores themes of personal survival, psychological recovery, community bonds, and overcoming barriers, inspired by the 100th anniversary of the General Strike. Visitors can vote for their favorite artwork from a shortlist of five artists, with the winner receiving a future solo exhibition at the gallery. A companion show, 'Hartlepool’s Resilience,' curated by museum service volunteers, displays objects from the borough council’s collection highlighting local spirit.
Abstract artist Mollie Jackson is the subject of a commissioned display titled "Catharsis" at the NoBo Art Center, running through May 23. The exhibition features large-scale, expressive abstract paintings that Jackson describes as immersive and emotionally cathartic. A special workshop, "Making Emotions Visible," will be held on May 16 in conjunction with the show. Jackson, who will also be the summer 2026 artist-in-residence at the Firehouse Art Center, discusses her process-oriented approach, her background as the daughter of an abstract painter, and her belief that abstract art connects viewers to emotion rather than representation.
The Fredericksburg Visitor Center is hosting a photo exhibition throughout May in honor of Older Americans Month. Created by Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging, the exhibit features portraits of local seniors paired with their words of advice and inspiration, with an opening reception on May 1 during First Friday.
The Jersey Artist Registry (JAR) is presenting "Uncharted Territory," an exhibition featuring over 50 works by 31 New Jersey artists at The Oyster Point Hotel in Red Bank. Curated by JAR founder Ellen Martin, the show runs from May 8 through June 29, 2026, and includes a diverse range of styles and media, from surreal photography to geometric abstraction and mystical fractals.
The Mather Art Gallery at Trinity College is hosting an exhibition showcasing the work of the Hartford Environmental Justice Research Partnership. The display highlights community-based research and collaborative solutions designed by student-led teams to address local environmental challenges in the Hartford area.
West Hartford is launching "Artbeat 2026," an annual townwide exhibition showcasing the creative achievements of students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Hosted at the West Hartford Art League’s Saltbox and Clubhouse galleries, the show features a diverse range of student work and kicks off with a public opening reception on March 18.
Utah State University's Arts Are Core program has opened its seventh annual 'Creativity Unbound' student art exhibition at the Lyndsley Wilkerson Gallery. The show features over 300 artworks from K-8 students across multiple northern Utah school districts and charter schools, highlighting arts-integrated learning and student creativity. The exhibition will remain open to the public until March 20.
Barnstable Town Hall's Artist Spotlight program is hosting an exhibition of work by Barnstable High School Studio Art 3 & 4 students, on display in the James H. Crocker, Jr. Hearing Room and Selectmen’s Conference Room through June 30, 2025. The show includes portraits created for the Memory Project, a global initiative in which students make handmade portraits for disadvantaged children, this year featuring children in India, alongside a digital photography showcase by first-year students in the school's Digital Photography program.