In "Clown in an Iron Lung," a painting of the clay figurine, Mr. Bill, popularized by Saturday Night Live, indulges in a bottle of Southern Comfort whiskey. The title may, at first glance, appear unrelated to the image it accompanies, but it underscores the convergence of two disparate narratives, both centered on the iconic figure of a clown. Drawn from the pilot episode of Roko’s Modern Life, in which Roko buys a painting of the same name and questions the role of art, it serves as a perplexing entry point, emphasizing the convergence of two disparate narratives around the central iconography of a clown.

Historically, the clown has played the roles of a minstrel and a fool, relying on his or her own misfortune for amusement. These themes are seamlessly woven into both the image of Mr. Bill and the title, denying sympathy for the clown and perpetuating the narrative of misrepresentation. Viewer engages in spectacle through the image, and also questions what it means to be displayed for public jest or judgment.

The painting delves into the complexities of how people perceive and understand imagery, treating representation as a form of formal documentation and exposing the fallacy within notions of truth. These recurrent thematic elements challenge conventional perspectives on art and storytelling, something the artist seeks to do constantly, ultimately inviting the viewer to reevaluate perceptions of the clown as a symbol and explore the multifaceted nature of artistic expression.

Approaching the artwork candidly, one is compelled to contemplate that "it's like the same thing." This open interpretation is a tool deliberately used to encourage reinterpretation and to keep the audience from immediate and complete comprehension, echoing the spirit of postmodern art.

“Clown in an Iron Lung”

Matt Meinhardt

October 12 - November 6, 2023