NO JOKE

Inspired by Joaquin Phoenix’s hauntingly brilliant performance in Joker, this piece captures the raw emotion and psychological unraveling that defined the film. Phoenix’s portrayal of Arthur Fleck—a man collapsing under the weight of isolation, pain, and a society that rejects him—was both mesmerising and deeply unsettling. His transformation from a struggling comedian to the infamous Joker was filled with anguish, dark humour, and an eerie sense of liberation. From the hypnotic, unhinged dance on the stairs to the chilling smile of self-acceptance and the gut-wrenching moments of despair, his performance was a masterclass in emotional depth.

This original artwork reflects that same emotional duality—both captivating and disturbing. Observers find themselves drawn in yet uneasy, mirroring the film’s effect on its audience. That tension, that contradiction, is exactly what I aimed to create.

“No Joke” is painted in acrylic on stretched canvas, measuring 710 × 910 mm.