Circus Triptych

We headed into Bristol on a grey and wet day, to browse the exhibition at the RWA. "Sawdust and Sequins", and the collection of Peter Lavery photographs, document the traditional circus. 

Circuses are a bit naff nowadays, and redolent of animal cruelty and outward glamour that barely hides the grime and squalor that lays behind the greasepaint. Clowns have become things of horror rather than slapstick, although there's a thought that horror was never far away from the act.

I remember going to circuses as a young child, marvelling at the lions and tigers and elephants and sealions, all trained to perform at the behest of the whip-cracking handler. I remember the chaotic carnival of clowns with exploding cars and water filled flowers, foam pies and baggy trousers. 

As we drove into Bristol we passed the travelling theme park on The Downs, with flashing lights and ridiculous rides. You won't get me back into either venue, but at least the performances now are by consent on both sides.

Having said that, the exhibition is worth a punt; it's got some decent art in there and some informative texts with the paintings and photographs. I really liked this triptych, screen printed on gold leaf by Abigail Lane.