This iconic Mel Bochner’s “Ha Ha Ha” is one of the artists last works commissioned for our gallery.

His iconic text-based work that uses language, repetition, and vibrant color to create both visual and conceptual impact. Bochner, a pioneer of conceptual art, often explores the limits and function of language in his pieces. In this “Ha Ha Ha,” the repeated phrase may appear humorous or absurd at first glance, but it also invites deeper interpretations—ranging from a critique of meaninglessness to a confrontation with forced emotion or irony.

The visual repetition of "HA" in bold, painted letters can be read as laughter, mockery, or even a nervous tic—blurring the line between genuine emotion and social performance.

The background consists of bright colors. The letters laid upon the top are built in 3-dimension of oil paint in solid, strong colors. The embossed letters are executed in a capitalized and uniform type face with rounded corners and crisp edges. The pigment of the oil paint glows in hues of pink, orange, purple and yellow. The repeated word occupies the expanse of the image as if composed within a linear grid. Throughout this grid, Bochner plays with the levels of contrast, heightening the intensity in certain sections, and reducing the degree in other areas.

The colorful monoprint is not only fun to look at, but carries and air of gaiety around the subject of fine art – something that is so often considered all too serious. Bochner uses powerful words to make the viewer think about how they “ascribe character and feelings to things, even the inanimate, that have none.” He seeks to incite a reaction in the viewer, and certainly the use of such color and such bold language will no doubt do the trick.

This unique monoprint with collage, engraving and embossment on hand-dyed Twinrocker handmade paper is hand signed and dated by Mel Bochner (Pittsburgh, 1940 - ) in pencil in the lower recto. Mel Bochner, Ha Ha Ha, is a unique and original work.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

1. Bochner, Mel. Monoprints: Mel Bochner: Words, Words, Words…New York: Two Palms, 2012. General information on Mel Bochner’s unique monoprints is discussed on pages 63-65.

2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany our Mel Bochner, Ha Ha Ha.

About the Framing:

Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Mel Bochner, Ha Ha Ha is presented in a complementary moulding.

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