photo: Steve Payne
Ruth Spitzer - Toronto, Canada
Claire Ironside - Toronto, Canada
(X)Static Clown Factory, 2013
Multi-media and street performance
42 - University Avenue & Gerrard Street West
[ photographs ] [ video ]
Multi-media and street performance
Inflated. Deflated. Clowns and balloons. It is a potent combination. Balloons inflate and cause wonder,
deflate and cause despair. But what does it mean if there is no one to suffer the ecstasy of the one
or the disappointment of the other? So if there are balloons there must be clowns.
(X)Static Clown Factory is a Seuss-inspired enactment of the economy of desire. These are working
clowns, the float is their workshop, the parade route their assembly line, and we will experience the
night shift. All within a static parade that, of course, makes no “progress” whatsoever.
A multi-media construction-come-depot, the float featuring balloons, custom inflatables, flagging
tape, tyvek, helium, air, bubbles, and sound and light will be slowly stripped of its balloons throughout
the night. Along the parade route, clowns equipped with specialized tools, gadgets and costumes, entertain
through social commentary and by awarding clown paraphernalia, prizes, and ‘lantern’ balloons
to the lucky and the brave. Depending on the hour you may meet a happy, sad, greedy, goofy or slightly
nasty clown. Some onlookers will even be drawn in and ‘clownified’.
When the last clown has punched out and the morning shift has arrived, the (X)Static clown factory
will fold up shop.
Ruth Spitzer
Drawing on her education as a product designer, Ruth‘s multi-disciplinary practice focuses on creating
innovative lifestyle concepts, household products and augmented accoutrements-come-devices. Her work
has been exhibited internationally.
Claire Ironside
Claire’s practice, rooted in spatial design, visual communication and advocacy, explores the intersection
between art, design and material craft. Current work focuses on imbuing form and event with narrative
and the possibility for meaningful social engagement.
www.facebook.com/xstaticClowns/
dorkenwald-spitzer.com/
moimoidesign.com/
In association with Richard Kunst, clown-wrangler extraordinaire;
all the (X)Static clowns; and Douglas
Donald
for his collaboration on the float design and construction.
With assistance from KH+A Printing Inc.,
DuPont Canada, Anagram International Inc. and Vintex Inc.
Sponsored By
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