THE CITY IS A CIRCUS OR A SEWER
The Clown, an emblematic circus character, a comic caricature of his audience. Engine explosions and jets of water jumping from the radiator remind them of the nuisances of their own daily lives. For young and old alike, as Dick Hurran explains, "just look at the unmixed joy and excitement on the faces of the children captivated by this wonderful world of fantasy. Then, and only then, look at the adults' faces...
I guarantee that they all taste this spectacle, this joy of sharing this abundance of happiness that surrounds them."
So how did the clown become a symbol of sadness hidden beneath laughter? Who dared touch the imaginary world of childhood, that fantastic universe, and turn it into a poor, unhappy clown?
The clown is distraught, no one wants to look at him anymore.
Today, we prefer a jester, we glorify the one who mocks rather than the one who does not care. We judge what we don't know, as J. Renard puts it: "A sad laugh like a clown in a black suit. To believe what is only particular to us to be inherently human, that is the great mistake."
The clown is in mourning for a society from which he can no longer draw inspiration. By advocating freedom of thought and freedom of expression, we've become the worst of censors. We have forgotten our duty to listen to each other.
Every day, we are confronted with a current of news that is far too strong to keep our heads above water. From taking a step back. Through believing ourselves endowed with an intellect, we've forgotten what it is to be informed.
And now we've taken the clown's place, robbed him of his craft.
October 2023
THE AUGUSTE
Auguste, the happy clown. Childish, innocent, naïve, yet clever and complex, the Auguste is probably the most famous representation of clowns in pop culture. With his red nose, exaggerated features, and grotesque apparel, the Auguste brings out laughter for some, fear for others. But who hides behind this colorful mask? Fool or taken for a fool? Anarchist or Utopian? This misjudged emblematic figure of the circus never ceases to fascinate.
