2000 Clowns

June 10 - September 10, 2000

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 paradigms—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.

Participating artists: Donald Baechler, Mike Cockrill, Michael Ray Charles, Elizabeth Ernst, Jonathan Hammer, George Horner, Catherine Howe, David McGee, Mark Newgarden, Michael Lindell, Bruce Nauman, Martina Shenal, John Spear, Linda Voychehovski, Ken Weaver, and Thomas Woodruff

Curated by Bill Conger and Timothy Porges.