FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 30, 2000
2000 CLOWNS
Curated by Bill Conger and Timothy Porges
June 10th through September 10th, 2000
University Galleries of Illinois State University
Opening Reception: Saturday, June 10th, at 7:00 p.m.
Born of the earliest forms of theater, the image of the clown inhabits some of the most intimate areas of human psychology. Appearing most commonly as a symbol of folly, frivolity, and comic relief, lurking beneath this type of representation are sad clowns longing for acceptance, mischievous clowns instigating mayhem, and malicious clowns that insult and provoke to the point of retaliation. The most insidious clowns are those that prey on the subconscious in the form of childhood nightmares. Clowns are an adult invention—adults in makeup playing out desires extending beyond expected social paradigm—mirroring our maturation and enabling us to come to terms with the realities of our world. 2000 Clowns is an exhibition of sixteen artists who have used this popular and compelling character in their work, identifying the clown not only as the fool, but also as a surrogate for the human individual—alone and imperfect.
Artists: Donald Baechler, Mike Cockrill, Michael Ray Charles, Elizabeth Ernst, Jonathan Hammer, George Horner, Catherine Howe, Michael Lindell, David McGee, Mark Newgarden, Bruce Nauman, Martina Shenal, John Spear, Linda Voychehovski, Ken Weaver, and Thomas Woodruff.
Also: Concurrent exhibitions at the Bloomington Public Library and the McLean County Arts Center, performances by the Carson & Barnes Circus, and the hosting of the Circus Historical Society Convention.
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