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TRAGEDY/COMEDY

The notorious Tragedy/Comedy masks are a common theme used in theatre, art and popular culture.

Originating from Greek mythology Melpomene & Thalia - daughters of Zeus.

Melpomene - the muse of tragedy

Thalia - the muse of comedy

The masks are always depicted together, representing the extremes of human emotion. The duality is prevalent, one doesn't appear without the other. This further underpins my previous research into the sad clown paradox - rooted in the Pagliacci story of the clown who appears out of costume to a doctor suffering with depression - the doctor advises him to go and visit the clown for some comic relief. However, he is the clown. The sad clown paradox identifies the link between comedy performers and poor mental health. One cannot exist without the other. My piece 'Forsaken' is underpinned by this theory that sadness and humour are symbiotic, as are agony and joy. We need one to experience the other.

Graffiti piece by Slae One, London, 2024

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