A CHIRK-based university lecturer has contributed to a new book looking at the way comedy is used to deal with serious incidents.

Paul Jones, Senior Lecturer in Fine Art at Wrexham Glyndwr University (WGU) has contributed to the book entitled ‘Comedy in Crises: Weaponising Humour in Contemporary Art’, edited by Chrisoula Lionis.

The book investigates how humour - such as social media memes - can be used to help people through traumatic experiences such as Covid or environmental disasters. 

In his chapter, Paul looks at his Welsh identity – from his perspective as a non-speaking Welsh person, who happens to live on the Wales/England border in Chirk – while using humour to explore his internal conflict and challenges.

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He said: “It’s been a real privilege to contribute to this distinct and fascinating book.

“The subject matter is extremely engaging and allowed me to utilise one of the key themes from my PhD thesis.

“Although spotlight was largely given to life-threatening crisis in the book – including war, environmental disaster, Covid – and much more, I was able to explore a mostly playful theme, and I think that made for some welcome light relief in the book.”

The book provides a perspective on the comedy studies field, offering an understanding toward both the motivation and reception of humour in diverse, modern art forms by drawing together research by artists, theorists, curators, and historians from around the world.

Paul added: “For me, art and humour have important roles to play socially and during conflict – for example, art isn’t just about creating a beautiful end product, it can also help to convey important messages and be a catalyst for change.

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“In many ways, art and humour bring into focus that which is hidden in everyday life.

“They have the ability to reflect upon the human condition and can often provide a strong foundation for a respectful common ground, a neutral zone from where to start a more positive and productive dialogue, you could say.”

Initially the concept was due to take the form of a conference in 2020, however when the pandemic hit, it was decided that contributions would be used for a book, which would analyse the growing use of humour by artists from around the world, making clear the vital role of laughter in mediating the collective trauma that takes shape in the modern world.