Bassichis makes both solo and collaborative work, often on queer or Jewish themes, that combine stand-up comedy, music, and activism.

“For so many queer people, humor is a tool from such an early age for navigating hostility and danger and maneuvering through a world and saying difficult truths, perhaps in a way that is more palatable or hear-able,” Bassichis said.

Comedy can also make contemporary art feel more accessible and relatable, as well as create space for reflection and understanding on topics that might otherwise cause people to “shut down,” Byers said. The curator added that he is particularly interested in the way Bassichis has been translating performance-based work to a gallery experience.

“This exhibition is a combination of some really funny and wickedly frivolous social critiques and really dedicated, serious activism,” Byers said. “We’re trying to create an environment where people feel like they want to sit down, take a load off and really watch, and hopefully be changed.”

Videos from the “Quarantunes” series play on multiple screens.

The exhibit invites viewers to sit and don headsets to watch video excerpts from past live performances or dance along to a new animated music video the artist describes as a “gay pop hit about seltzer.”

It also features copies of Bassichis’ new book, “Questions to Ask Before Your Bat Mitzvah,” which are displayed on a shelf for perusal or purchase. It’s an anthology of essays by 36 writers, activists, and scholars aimed at helping Jewish youth approach modern adulthood and Jewish tradition. The book, which includes a foreword written by political activist and author Angela Davis, addresses questions ranging from the logistical — “Do I have to give a speech?” — to the introspective — “I’m queer/nonbinary/secular/old/not even Jewish, are Bat Mitzvahs for me?” Other questions — like “what do Palestinian kids do when they turn 13?” — aim to help readers find and deepen solidarity with Palestinians, a core part of Bassichis’ activism.

Bassichis described “Questions” as “the book we wish we had” as teenagers and “the book we hope people might use now.”

“Young people are inheriting this world that is torn apart by climate change and by right-wing nationalism,” Bassichis said. “They are both very active around the struggles and deserve to have really good answers, and particularly the traditions that they’re inheriting.”

“More Little Ditties” is free and open to the public at the Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts through Sept. 3.