This thesis is an exploration around the topics of graphic design, humour, and the political. More specifically, the use of humour as a political tool in a graphic design practice. This thesis provides an overview of the most significant theories of humour. By way of examining the three encompassing theories of humour and conducting qualitative interviews, this thesis tries to understand as to why humour might be of value to graphic designers.
This thesis use the theories of humour as a framework for investigating the political dimension of graphic design. Humour is universal phenomenon that is highly contextual, therefore it is one of the most important aspects when trying to understand any particular culture. As for graphics design, it is commonly defined as a profession and practice of cultural intermediaries, who are situated in between production and consumption. This close-up view, of how images and ideas circulate within a given culture, is inherently political but yet graphic design lacks political power. By the way of humour, we can open up unexpected opportunities in the discourse of graphic design, that can allow us to expand our conception of what it means to be a graphic designer, beyond its visual artefacts
