Modern Toss Celebrates 21 Years of Irreverent Humor with New Exhibition

Modern Toss, the irreverent cartoon duo known for their biting humor, is marking 21 years of creative absurdity with a new exhibition titled Having an exhibition yeah?, currently on display at the Drawing Room in Bermondsey, South London. Artists Mick Bunnage and Jon Link, whose work has become synonymous with cheeky commentary on modern life, are celebrating their legacy with a showcase that embodies their signature blend of humor and anarchy.

The exhibition features a collection of their most memorable pieces, including sharp office quips and memorable characters such as Mr Tourettes and Art Dog. Visitors can expect to see a range of works that poke fun at the contemporary workplace, reflecting the duo's own experiences in the chaotic environment of the lads' magazine, Loaded, where their partnership began. "It was a very freeform atmosphere at Loaded," Link recalls, describing the creative chaos that inspired their early work. Their comic strip, Office Pest, explored experimental violence in the workplace, a theme that resonated with their experiences in the unpredictable office culture.

The exhibition also introduces an innovative feature: the UK's first Swear Map, developed in collaboration with linguistics experts from the University of Sheffield. This interactive artwork seeks to catalog regional slang and swearing, highlighting the uniqueness of local dialects across the UK. Bunnage humorously notes that the British Museum may not be thrilled with their cheeky take on historical art, especially considering their own version of the Bayeux Tapestry, which is filled with humor and unexpected motifs.

As they reflect on their journey, the artists admit that their work, while appearing spontaneous, often requires extensive effort. Bunnage shares that writing jokes can take a considerable amount of time, despite the seemingly effortless nature of their drawings. The duo's aesthetic is rooted in a rough and ready style, with Link emphasizing that their sketches often serve as quick reminders of jokes, capturing the urgency of their humor.

Amid their playful banter about swearing, Bunnage explains that their use of profanity is not meant to offend but rather to enhance the impact of their jokes. They maintain a careful balance, often editing their work to keep the humor sharp without overwhelming the audience with expletives. The duo’s dedication to capturing the essence of how people actually speak is evident in their thoughtful approach to language.

With a career that started in the early 2000s, Modern Toss has made a significant impact on the landscape of contemporary satire, drawing inspiration from influences like Viz and classic cartoonists while carving out their own niche. As they celebrate this milestone, they continue to push the boundaries of humor, engaging audiences with their unique perspective on the absurdities of modern life.

Source: www.wallpaper.com