Photo by Rolph Gobits, from the series "Entertainers."
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Rolph Gobits‘ series “Entertainers” has been more than 20 years in the making, a circus-inspired collection of portraits of middle-aged clowns, knife throwers, ersatz cowboys, riders of tiny bicycles, accordion players, and masters of shadow puppetry. These are photos of people who live to put on a show and, despite their age, will pull on their costumes and smear on the greasepaint for as long as anyone is willing to watch. Through Rolph’s eyes, we see them as wistful, mischievous, enduring, and, always, endearing.
Next month, if you live near Surrey, England, you’ll have a chance to see these images in person. A selection of “Entertainers” photos will go on view at Life—The Gallery next week. (“Entertainers” was previously on view at the Arka Art Gallery in Russia. Click here to see highlights from that show, as well as photos from an auction of Rolph’s work to benefit a children’s charity.) Rolph himself will be introducing the work at Life at an invitation-only reception on February 3. Go here for more details and to view a slideshow of “Entertainers.”
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Related:
• From Russia with clowns: Rolph Gobits’ circus performers
• Rolph Gobits: Auction & Exhibition Highlights 2010
• Gobits takes Vladivostok by storm
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