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It Wasn't Funny Then And It Isn't Funny Now
Limited Edition, Edition Size: 35
SOLD
Framed Size: 27" x 27"
Hand signed by James Joyce
Sold with a Certificate Of Authenticity
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It Wasn't Funny Then And It Isn't Funny Now
SOLD
This artwork is sold framed
Hand signed by James Joyce
Sold with a Certificate Of Authenticity
Edition Size: 35
Medium: Silkscreen Paper Edition
Artwork Size:
30" x
30"
Framed Size:
27" x
27"
Reference:
ART00237925
Artwork Description:
Size:27 x 27 in.
James Joyce’s It Wasn’t Funny Then and It Isn’t Funny Now (30" x 30") is a masterful exercise in emotional minimalism, using shape, colour and space to explore the thin line between humour and discomfort. Within a soft grey circular field, a playful arrangement of bold forms — a pink arc, red and blue circles, and black geometric accents — assembles into a stylised face. Yet, as with much of Joyce’s work, the expression is ambiguous: the exaggerated smile is tilted, the eyes uneven, and the composition teeters between amusement and unease.
The artwork’s clean, graphic precision conceals a subtle psychological charge. The pastel tones and vivid accents recall the visual language of advertising and emojis, but Joyce twists their familiarity into something quietly unsettling. Through his refined geometry and impeccable balance, he exposes the emotional contradictions of contemporary communication — how symbols meant to express joy can also conceal frustration, irony or sadness.
Deceptively simple yet deeply layered, It Wasn’t Funny Then and It Isn’t Funny Now encapsulates Joyce’s ongoing fascination with the absurdity of human expression in the digital age. The work is both playful and poignant, a wry reflection on how we mask truth behind the reassuring simplicity of the smile.
UK Delivery
We offer free shipping on all online orders or collection from one of our galleries if this is more convenient for you.
Orders will usually be received in 7-14 days unless stated after purchase, we will contact you after you have placed your online order to confirm the details and delivery information.
Click here for more information on our delivery fees.
US Delivery
We offer free collection from our Westport gallery. For all online orders, it is important to note that additional charges for customs, duties, VAT, and other applicable fees may arise, and it remains your sole responsibility to settle these charges.
International Delivery
International delivery is available for an additional cost, please contact our client service team for more information.
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Size:27 x 27 in.
James Joyce’s It Wasn’t Funny Then and It Isn’t Funny Now (30" x 30") is a masterful exercise in emotional minimalism, using shape, colour and space to explore the thin line between humour and discomfort. Within a soft grey circular field, a playful arrangement of bold forms — a pink arc, red and blue circles, and black geometric accents — assembles into a stylised face. Yet, as with much of Joyce’s work, the expression is ambiguous: the exaggerated smile is tilted, the eyes uneven, and the composition teeters between amusement and unease.
The artwork’s clean, graphic precision conceals a subtle psychological charge. The pastel tones and vivid accents recall the visual language of advertising and emojis, but Joyce twists their familiarity into something quietly unsettling. Through his refined geometry and impeccable balance, he exposes the emotional contradictions of contemporary communication — how symbols meant to express joy can also conceal frustration, irony or sadness.
Deceptively simple yet deeply layered, It Wasn’t Funny Then and It Isn’t Funny Now encapsulates Joyce’s ongoing fascination with the absurdity of human expression in the digital age. The work is both playful and poignant, a wry reflection on how we mask truth behind the reassuring simplicity of the smile.
Delivery Options
We offer free home delivery for all online orders; delivery typically takes 7–14 days* — click here for more information.
Free Collect In Gallery
We will deliver your artwork free of charge to your gallery of choice where you can collect at your convenience.
International Delivery
International delivery is available for an additional cost, please contact our client services team or click here for more information.
Free 14 Day Returns
We always want you to be delighted with your artwork. If you have changed your mind and wish to return your online purchase from us, you have 14 days from the point of delivery to contact us to organise a return. We do not charge for online returns.
Upon placing an order, we will promptly follow up with an email confirmation of the delivery timeline and address any additional queries you may have about your purchase, payment, or delivery. During this conversation, we will also finalize the details of your preferred delivery method.
Should you need assistance with the installation of fixings or your artwork, our galleries can provide a roster of reliable installers who can lend their expertise. Kindly inform our team before the delivery if such assistance is necessary.
Please note that this service incurs a charge. If your artwork is not yet ready to be hung, we will ensure it remains wrapped and ready for you or your chosen installer to hang at a more convenient time.
The majority of our limited edition artworks and select original pieces are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. If a certificate is available for the artwork you have ordered, it will be included with your shipment.
Yes, we ship artwork to over 180 countries. Our reliable courier partners, primarily DHL, are entrusted with shipping your artwork worldwide. Occasionally, we may also utilize services from TNT or other similar providers.
For specific details regarding delivery costs, kindly refer to our dedicated delivery page. It is important to note that additional charges for customs, duties, VAT, and other applicable fees may arise, and it remains your sole responsibility to settle these charges.
Once you have made a purchase of your desired artwork, you have the option to either have it conveniently delivered to your home or arrange for collection at a gallery of your preference (excluding our ship-based galleries).
We aim to deliver your order within 7 - 14 days unless stated after purchase.
Prior to delivery, all artworks undergo a meticulous quality check process, which typically takes up to two weeks to complete. After your order is placed, our client services team will contact you with an estimated delivery date.
If you opt for delivery to a gallery of your choosing, an art consultant will reach out to notify you once the artwork has arrived. They will coordinate with you to arrange a convenient time for collection that suits your schedule.
To ensure a secure transit, every artwork is handled with utmost care. We take precautionary measures by using foam edges to protect each side of the artwork, followed by shrink-wrapping for added safety during transportation.
Clarendon Fine Art provides a personalized white glove service that grants you the opportunity to view your preferred artwork in the comfort of your own home. To arrange an appointment with an art consultant, kindly get in touch with a gallery of your preference.