Conceptual Circus

About

Conceptual Circus was born from the effort of imagining a Covid-safe show format, originally meant to be a virtual exhibition. The constraint of safety and the potential of opening up the habitual circus format in unprecedented ways became a source of inspiration that outlasted the lockdowns. Interviewing circus communities about
their experience during the pandemic, it was clear that if the struggle is embraced, it can become an open door to new opportunities. The dissolution of form creates a generative and regenerative space for the artform, the artists and the communities.

This exhibition is a response to the impossibility of training and performing during lockdowns, and to contemporary circus aspiration to be art. It asks if it is possible to make circus without the circus body or the equipment, like conceptual art asks if the idea of the artwork is art enough. As circus has moved from traditional forms to contemporary ones, looking to become a vehicle for expression of meaning beyond entertainment, it contested many of the usual modes of presentation, as well as merging with what are recognised by society as ‘higher art’ such as theatre or opera. Nowadays a circus
performance is “the physical embodiment of an intellectual, or “dramatic” idea” (Guy, J-M, 2021), thus transforming the performer/company/director into an author, an artist, or a philosopher.

Conceptual Circus doesn't do anything new. It is merely one of the possible outcomes of the ongoing contemporary circus journey to find its artistic identity. It is a proposal and an invitation that stems from an endless set of questions: What happens when circus claims the space that is traditionally reserved to art? What transformation must occur in the process of translating acts into artworks? What becomes of performers and what of directors? Is imagining circus enough for circus to exist? Is circus circus because the artist says it is? Or because it is shown in a circus venue and sold as such?

You are invited to join, pose more questions and find your own answers with us.

About the artist
Viola Bruni grew up in Italy within artist communities, performing since the age of 11. Art is a constant presence and inspiration for her work as movement director, choreographer, and performer. She has worked with visual artists on many occasions to conceive movement and choreography for art videos and exhibitions. As a director, she is interested in exploring the connection further and merging visual art, physical theatre, and circus in her creations.