NOT MY CIRCUS, NOT MY MONKEYS.
THE MOTIF OF THE CIRCUS IN CONTEMPORARY ART

The origin of the circus dates back to the end of the 18th century, mainly in London. It became a mass phenomenon in European metropolitan life during the 19th Century attracting numerous artists in the field of the arts and culture and influencing the avant-gardes, naturalistic painting, New Objectivity, and Expressionism.

This group exhibition highlights how the repertoire of circus forms continues to explore current social issues on both micro and macro levels, question political structures, expose stigmatization and illuminate the human-animal relationship.

The work of the Zurich-based artist Istvan Balogh addresses the issue of overstimulation in today's society by showing the clown as a victim. New York-based artist Ugo Rondinone evokes the melancholy mood of clowns with shoes that are literally hung on the nail. American artist Kathryn Andrews leaves the clown costume behind as a sorrowful veil, while in the video work by Russian artist Taus Makhacheva, a tightrope walker balances at a dizzying height.