The Jokers Are Wild

A Still Life Artist Isn't Clowning About Portraiture

Clowns are funny. Clowns are scary. Clowns are divisive – people love ‘em or hate ‘em. Earlier this week, the trade organization Clowns of America announced that the number of clowns has plummeted in recent years. No joke -- it’s hard out there for a clown.By Holly Farrell

At the always-interesting Packer Schopf Gallery in Chicago, clowns are back in the spotlight.

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There must not be a clown shortage in Canada, because Toronto-based artist Holly Farrell has painted a series of portraits of the local clown population. Surprisingly, there’s no painting of Toronto Mayor Rob Ford.By Holly Farrell

A self-taught artist, Holly Farrell is well-regarded for her still-life paintings of solitary objects. She’s not sure why she decided to make her first show of portraits about clowns except that she’s attracted to these “happy, creative people” and their “tight community.” Her fondness for her funny friends has made for an engaging set of portraits.

Also featured at the gallery is an artist educated at the School of the Art Institute. Darrel Morris uses fabric and thread to embroider odd slices of life. Rooted in storytelling, his images are at once painful and funny. If I win the lottery this weekend, I’m buying them all – and maybe a clown portrait for my office.By Darrel Morris

The exhibition opens Friday, February 21 at the Packer Schopf Gallery, 942 W. Lake Street in Chicago.

 

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