We are delighted to present ‘John Goto’s New World Circus’. In this refreshing body of new work, Goto plays with drama, irony and illusion; employing modern technology to manipulate images and create spectacular events. Goto’s exhibition of photo-digital pictures takes the form of a circus performance, with one act following another, towards its nightmarish climax. It is accompanied by a soundscape by composer Michael Young, created specifically for the exhibition.
Through the use of symbols and personification, the images hint at a wider arena than the sawdust ring - that of the international stage and the particularly the invasion of Iraq. American patriotic emblems, army uniforms, cowboy outfits, Union Jacks, shalwar kameez costumes, Disney characters and military insignia are mixed in with traditional circus apparel, creating an disquieting bricolage. He uses a mixture of models, mannequins and actors within his brilliantly coloured big top. The artistes' costumes and the acts they perform reference both the history and traditions of the circus going back to Commedia dell'arte, and also the ‘war on terror’ as played out in the ‘new world order’.
For his soundscape Michael Young has captured the music of an amateur travelling band, layering it with sound bites from politicians, animal noises and footage of world events. Sounds of world conflict and its attendant miseries meet their sonic reflection in the danger and thrill of real circus performances recorded for this show, creating a tension in the imaginary spaces between Goto’s satirical images.
John Goto is particularly known for the photo-digital work he has made over the past decade. He has had solo exhibitions at Tate Britain, the National Portrait Gallery and many regional galleries in Britain, as well as at galleries in Germany, Portugal, Sweden, Spain and Korea. A full colour catalogue to accompany the exhibition, including texts by John Goto and Celia Goto, will be available during the show. ‘John Goto’s New World Circus’ is a Focal Point Gallery touring exhibition. http://www.johngoto.org.uk/
