CIRCUS BY BJØRN OKHOLM SKAARUP

A Koala Bassoonist! A Rhino Strongman! In Bjørn Okholm Skaarup’s grand “Circus” installation, the animals themselves are running the show.

Comprised of 33 sculptures, the installation is inspired by the late-nineteenth century circus where costumes, banners, and colors created a neo-baroque symphony of larger-than-life forms and displays. Each sculpture within the installation highlights the spectacle of color and movement celebrated by a menagerie several years in the making.

“Ever since I was young, I’ve been drawn to the traveling circus that occasionally reached my birth town in the Danish province,” said sculptor Bjørn Okholm Skaarup. “To prepare for this installation, I spent several years collecting paraphernalia from the golden age of the American circus to fully immerse myself in that past artform with the understanding that the idea of the old circus had to be reconsidered and revised, especially in its mistreatment of wild animals. With “Circus,” I wanted to pay tribute to the spectacle of color and movement and can assure that not a single animal was harmed in the making of this large bronze menagerie.

”In the artist’s contemporary bestiary, or classical book of animals in bronze, each sculpture presents a whimsical story or allegory to decipher, with sources ranging from ancient fables and art history to music and modern animation. In this fantastical installation, a Lion ringmaster welcomes you to a show where the troupe is run entirely by animals. Featuring a grand 6 x 10-foot Circus ring, the installation is complete with a gathering of clowns, magicians, acrobats, dancers, and musicians.

“Bjørn is known for playing between the limits of nature and culture through his work, and this installation is no different,” said Ron Cavalier, President of Cavalier Galleries. “Through this installation, the artist pays tribute to the late-nineteenth century circus with a Hippo Ribbon Dancer, Rhino Strongman, Giraffe Clown, Sea Lion Juggler, Raccoon Oboist, Elephant Magician, Bear Roller Skater, Crocodile Tightrope Walkers, and more.”

“Circus” will be on-view at Art Palm Beach beginning Wednesday, January 25 to Sunday, January 29, 2023. The full installation will be available for acquisition, along with individual characters from the Circus collection.

PRESENTED BY CAVALIER GALLERY