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Under the
Big Top
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Gallery 19a
Free admission |
Lorraine JENYNS, Australia,
born 1945
Bring on the big cats
1977, Daylesford, Victoria
earthenware, 62.0 cm, 35.0 cm (diam)
South Australian Government Grant 1978
Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide |
| media release |
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Under the Big Top is a
new free display in gallery 19a and features a fascinating selection of objects that
reflect on the broad themes of the circus and popular entertainment.
Circus-like events have been enjoyed since the Roman period when chariot-racing, duels and
wild animals regularly entertained Rome’s citizens. The circuses we see today,
however, owe their origin to Philip Astley, who established the first circus in London in
1770. Such was Astley’s success that his acts, in which human and animal displays
were combined, were widely copied and the modern circus was born.
Under the Big Top looks at artists who have been inspired directly and indirectly by the
distinctive performances and transgressive personalities that make up the rich flavour of
circus life. A highlight of the display is the Gallery’s marvelous Circus dinner set
designed by British artist Laura Knight for Bizarre, by Clarice Cliff, in 1934. Knight,
better known as a painter of circus subjects, combines the bright colours so
characteristic of Cliff’s own work to create a remarkable dinner setting. Decorated
with clowns, acrobats and performing animals, this fifty-eight-piece setting even includes
a lamp. The circus performers climb up the circus tent pole lamp stand; the silk shade
surrounding the lamp resembles a circus tent.
Other objects include Brigitte the bearded lady, 1977, one of several humorous and
colourful studio ceramics by Lorraine Jenyns. A perennial favourite, Burt Flugelman’s
Tattooed lady, 1974, has found a new home in the circus. Flugelman used the rich tradition
of the inked skin as the site from which to titillate and shock the viewing audience -
this lady was being ‘tattooed’ with Japanese couples engaged in sexual activity!
Funky and erotic shoes make an appearance, and those with a penchant for footstools might
enjoy the Elephant footstool by American Funk Art Movement artist David Gilhooly. So why
not have a little fun this summer and experience our very own Under the Big Top. |