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 or disappointment of the other? So, if there are balloons, there must be clowns.

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(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.

Design - Ruth Spitzer, Claire Ironside, Doug Donald,(Eureka League).

Costumes, Textile Design - Ruth Spitzer

Year - 2013

Clown Wrangler - Rick Kunst

Curator - Pat Machauly

Curator of Public Art - Umbereen Inayet, Toronto

Photographer - Steve Payne

Video - Stefan Randstroem

Presented  - Nuite Blanche 2013, Toronto