Description

This piece is a part of a working collection titled “King to Clown.”

King to Clown is a collection that explores identity, influence, and transformation—how one’s surroundings shape the person they become. From a young age, I’ve been terrified of clowns, masks, haunted houses, and anything that distorts reality, but clowns have always unsettled me the most. As I work to overcome this fear, I find myself drawn to the culture of the circus—a world of spectacle, theatricality, and illusion.

The circus is mesmerizing. Its grand performances, dazzling spotlights, extravagant acts, and elaborate costumes create an atmosphere both thrilling and surreal. I’ve always admired the aesthetics—from the ornate posters to the intricately designed tickets—each element contributing to its magnificent, chaotic allure.

Through painting, I wanted to immerse myself in this world while weaving in my own artistic process. Inspired by the philosophy “You become who you surround yourself with” and “Show me your friends, I’ll show you your future,” this collection examines the idea that placing a king in a circus does not turn the circus into a palace—it turns the king into a clown. The paintings reflect how environment and influence shape identity and growth, with the king’s downfall rooted in his failure to understand the significance of his surroundings.

Each piece is simple yet deeply evocative, leaving space for interpretation. They cry out for understanding, for deeper questions to be asked. This is a visual battle—a story told through emotion, composition, and symbolism.

I have 5 working pieces for this collection so far, each depicting the importance of surroundings and influences. It’s an emotional battle told through visual storytelling. I will release paintings in this collection as I finish them. I hope you enjoy the story.

—Joy Bennett