What makes you laugh, what makes you cry?

“What makes you laugh, what makes you cry?” is an exhibition that emerged by the invitation of Hollerei Gallery and an open call in the TransArts class of the University of Applied Arts. As the title expresses, it explores the profound duality of human emotions – revealed through the seemingly opposing expressions of a tear-streaked face and uncontrollable laughter. Both emotional states are unfiltered reactions, illustrating different forms of inner release that become tangible for others through facial expressions. They are a universal form of expression that transcends linguistic boundaries. Yet, even though these expressions may at first appear contradictory, they share more commonalities than we might assume.

Both embody an extreme form of expression, which bursts out suddenly and is difficult to restrain. The pain-stricken, tearful face recalls the very aches that uncontrollable laughter can provoke. Seven different artistic positions were chosen to show the wide range of emotions that move us, as well as the discrepancies that exist between them. What may move one person to laughter can bring another to tears.

Artists: Jordi Albers, Dominykas Cinauskas, Joonhyeok Daniel Cho, Michael Robert Jiménez, Lea Liebl, Kata Oelschlaegel, Leo Trotsenko

Curation: Julia Harrauer