English
The cultural phenomenon of the circus has gradually undergone a resurgence, thanks to the recent recognition of the complexity of the circus arts. Even if circuses have often been seen as places of animal exploitation, this recognition of its aesthetics, and its contribution to fine art is an opportunity to delve a little deeper.
Beyond the “cruel” label of the spectacle is a wonderful way of life, whose inhabitants live for their art – an art which forces them to adapt and sacrifice a lot. Itinerant, ephemeral and diverse, the circus troupe traverses the globe – great cities and small villages alike – showcasing it´s joyful, virtuoso world.
The big top and all that goes on inside it involves a lot of hard work. The inhabitants of the circus are its creators; tightrope walkers, trapeze artists, jugglers, magicians, clowns – each person has their own special role in the circus micro-community. Circuses are often made up of entire families, and is a lifestyle which is passed down, from generation to generation. Telling these stories – or at least one of them – was the aim of exhibition “Un siglo de circo” (“A century of the circus“), where we learn about Paulina Andreu Rivel, daughter of famous Barcelona-born clown Charlie Rivel.*
She may not be as well known as her father, but Paulina Andreu Rivel has had an active career in the circus – on the eve of her 90th birthday – is almost a century old. A collection of photographs tell the story of Paulina Rivel, and the many well-deserved tributes she has received over the years – the exhibition at Arts Santa Monica, (25th January – 8th May) is an opportunity to discover her history.
Also on show are some impressive pictures of Paulina on stage with her horses, along with scenes of her participating in other people´s acts. The talented performer made her circus debut at six years old, with an impersonation of Josephine Baker. Later, she married a fellow circus-man named Schumman, and tried her hand at various different arts. As the closing act of her husband´s circus, she joined her father, clown Charlie Rivel, on stage. Learning Paulina´s story, one takes a detailed look at the history of the circus, and at a fun, intrepid and brave woman.
This exhibition is on at Arts Santa Monica, on La Rambla 7, Ciudad Vieja. Entrance is free. http://www.artssantamonica.cat
*A four-meter statue erected in homage to Charlie Rivel can be found in the Joan Brossa gardens – which we hope to write about next time…
Nancy Guzman
If you fancy reliving the emotion and drama of the world of the circus in the 20th century, make your way down to this show if you´re in Barcelona. And for another type of emotion, rent an Barcelona accommodation …
Translated by: Poppy
