The Juggler 1993

Curator: Well, if this isn't delightfully bizarre. It feels like a party I vaguely remember from a fever dream. Editor: Precisely! And allow me to introduce Gladys Nilsson’s watercolor print, “The Juggler," created in 1993. The artist invites us into her singular world of eccentric characters. Curator: Eccentric is definitely the word! I mean, we have a central figure seemingly juggling slices of chocolate cake with an intense focus, amidst…what *is* that going on in the background? Some sort of mass picnic? Editor: In a way, yes. It’s chaotic and joyful all at once, wouldn't you agree? Nilsson often depicted these fantastical social scenes, pushing the boundaries of figuration. There's a subtle critique here of consumption and entertainment, reflecting the societal values she saw emerging in late 20th century America. The watercolor print, as a medium, softens the intensity, creating a somewhat nostalgic aura. Curator: Nostalgic…perhaps like a circus viewed through a kaleidoscope. The figure's facial expression… it's so detailed, almost grotesque, but endearing. Like a character from a children’s story gone wonderfully wrong. And the color palette, quite daring, isn’t it? Editor: Nilsson embraced bright, contrasting colors to enhance the surreal atmosphere. The juxtaposition of the domestic act of "juggling cakes" with a frenzied backdrop creates this wonderfully disorienting effect. It draws us to ask about this strange celebration: Who is she juggling for? The crowd? Or just herself? Curator: Maybe the audience is really us. The whole artwork is this bizarre reflection, forcing you to consider our own frenetic, over-stimulated existence. You know, there is something almost spiritual here... Like she's offering us a piece of the action. A bit like the Eucharist at church - where you must ingest and consume in the great juggler’s theater! Editor: It's certainly food for thought. As the piece enters our permanent display we hope it opens to the public how powerful introspection can be through these visual feasts. Curator: Well, it’s sure made me hungry. And perhaps a bit thoughtful about our own juggling act as spectators. Editor: Indeed! Let’s step onward. There's plenty more feast for your eyes ahead.