The Clown 1957

Jorge Castillo painted "The Clown" using mixed media on canvas. The figure appears trapped behind an abstract red grid. The clown’s painted face, costume and pose are clearly figurative, while the painting's rough texture and dark background emphasize the physical qualities of the artwork as an object. Castillo was born in Pontevedra, Spain, and spent much of his life in exile, a condition which is often associated with clowns. During the mid-20th century, in Franco’s Spain, clowns served as subversive figures, providing commentary on the political conditions that shaped artistic production. This particular clown may thus be read as a social critique of the status of the artist in society. To understand this painting, we need to look at the social conditions that shape artistic production. We need to examine the politics of imagery, the public role of art, and the institutional histories. A closer look at "The Clown" reveals the power of art to challenge existing social norms.