Two DAAP Galleries have new installations, open to the public through mid-April

DAAP Galleries presents “2.0 Kinds of Funny,” a traveling exhibition at the Reed Gallery in the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP).

Forty artists are participating in the 2025 exhibition, with their works — each no larger than what would fit into a 12-by-12-inch box — traveling from this installation to academic institutions and galleries in Florida, Tennessee and Iowa.

"Something in the Air" by Buster Graybill, (bronze, sling shot parts, corn, box, tape). Photo provided by DAAP. 

The exhibit, described as “an exhibition of humorous art with works contained in one-cubic-foot boxes,” explores the role of humor in art. It was inspired by a 2012 exhibition, “Two Kinds of Funny.” The new exhibition was developed by UC School of Art faculty and alumni.

Promoters say: “‘2.0 Kinds of Funny’ presents the possibilities when we stop being polite and start getting real — what happens when we engage with the calculus of tragedy + time = comedy.”

The Reed Gallery is open to the public 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. A closing reception will take place at the gallery from 5-7 p.m., on April 3.

The Meyers Gallery showing: "New to Us": A Selection of Recent Acquisitions to the UC Art Collection". Photo/An Le, DAAP marketing intern

In collaboration with the University of Cincinnati Art Collection (UCAC), DAAP Galleries will exhibit a selection of recently acquired artworks for public viewing at the Philip M. Meyers Jr. Memorial Gallery in the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning.

The exhibition, titled “New to Us: A Selection of Recent Acquisitions to the UC Art Collection,” features 23 works donated by artists and collectors. “Viewing these works in person provides the opportunity to see intricate details, color, texture and context,” says Aaron Cowan, director of the UC Art Collection, Galleries, and Museum Studies.

On display now at the Meyers Gallery: (Left) Thom Shaw, Alley Buffet, 1996, and unknown, Leaf from a Book of Hours, late 15th century

In 2020, the UC Art Collection, Galleries and Museum Studies were unified to enhance teaching, research and immersive learning through co-op positions. In less than five years, this initiative has resulted in four exhibitions, three distinct research projects, educational tours of the collection’s facility and direct access to artworks for classroom lectures. Additionally, more than 20 co-op students have gained hands-on experience through UCAC and DAAP Galleries operations.

As a result of these efforts, a book about the UCAC will be released in early fall 2025. The publication will examine the history, strengths and use of the collection.

Recent efforts to expand the collection’s applications have led to new acquisitions, further strengthening its holdings of more than 5,000 works of art, craft and design. The current exhibition highlights some of the most recent gifts accepted.

The exhibit is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. A public closing reception will take place from 5-7 p.m. on April 10 in the Meyers Gallery.

Featured image at top by An Le/DAAP Marketing intern.