Artist Statement -
The Sideshow of the Aburd
April 2002

The very notion of a sideshow implies "otherness," the displaying of freaks, people "who are not like us." Part of American art and culture. The Sideshow of the Absurd references the historical significance of the traveling carnival, using the exhibition as a context for exploring contemporary issues of vulnerability; fate and chance; the violence that lurks behind facades; and female power. Designed as a series of "exhibits", the Sideshow consists of three-dimensional mechanical sculptures with sound and humorous drawings. These sclptures-featuring woman in potentially precarious situations-gyrate, twist, and sway.

My intention is to stimulate ideas and provoke thought about our present condition. An underlying theme of the exhibition is acceptance and tolerance, and thereby suggests the idea that difference can be a source of power and strength rather than fear. But as Mae West once said: "If you're going to tell the truth, make them laugh or they'll kill you."

Accompanied by large, colorful banners and carnival sounds, the Sideshow draws viewers in to participate both emotionally and physically. Like carnivals of the past, The Sideshow of the Absurd is presently traveling nationwide to varoius venues. As the Ringmistress who directs the activity, Joseph creates new pieces for each space, rearranging the relationships, so that every installation becomes a continually changing dialogue.