Circus Poodle 

Scott Gustafson’s painting, Circus Poodle, presents us with a richly imagined, anthropomorphic scene seemingly plucked from the golden age of the American circus. Born in 1956, Gustafson engages with enduring themes of identity and performance, reimagining them through the lens of animal characters. Here, the central figure is a poodle, adorned in a delicate blue gown, poised before a mirror with a powder puff in her paw. The circus backdrop and the presence of other animal performers, like the pug clown, set a stage for exploring the constructed nature of identity. The poodle’s refined attire contrasts humorously with her canine nature, inviting reflection on the artifice involved in crafting a persona. Her delicate features soften this somewhat absurd image. Gustafson prompts a dialogue about how we dress ourselves and the roles we play. Circus Poodle reflects societal expectations of beauty and skill, playfully asking us to consider who we are when we step into the spotlight.