Belly Laugh at a Funeral
They have lost a loved one. They have been crying for days. Feeling sorrowful, hopeless, as there is no returning from death. They are at the funeral. Overwhelmed with grief, watching the body being laid to rest. Suddenly, something superficial, as simple as a crack in the wall, makes them laugh—not a smile or chuckle, but a hard belly laugh. A bodily laughter. This is not their heart laughing; this is their body protecting them. “Belly Laugh at a Funeral” is a manic defense, an involuntary response to grief, stress, or anxiety. That is to survive. It is how they will survive.
Recently, many around the world—including in Minneapolis—have experienced prolonged grief. To process, I invite you to pause, feel a wide range of emotions, and move toward a more grounded sense of peace.
This exhibition is a part of the Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program (MAEP) Summer 2026. Photographed by Christopher Selleck. The soundtrack is created by Aida Shahghasemi.
To see the exhibition press, please click here. To view the book’s page spread,please click here.
Please click the images to view the full-size photo.
These suspended cylindrical forms refer to kotal, mourning flags of the Iranian Plateau and surrounding regions. Traditionally, kotal were used in mourning processions to mark loss or convey honor or transition. They were often reserved for notable individuals within a community. At the base of each form, mirrors invite visitors to see themselves within the work, transforming it into a collective experience. Carpet and artist-designed floor cushions offer space to recline, rest, and reflect.
The installation is accompanied by a 10-minute soundtrack made by Aida Shahghasemi.
(A professionally made video will be added to the website soon.)