Big Apple Circus House Crew 1991

Curator: Here we have Elsa Dorfman's "Big Apple Circus House Crew," a photographic print. It certainly has the charm of old school circus posters, doesn't it? Editor: It does! There's something both endearing and unsettling about those uniforms. Like a marching band gone slightly… askew. The uniforms also hint at the idea of hierarchy, while the diversity of the subjects suggests the integration of a wide range of roles. Curator: Indeed! The costumes are reminiscent of traditional military attire. Circuses often invoke symbols of order and spectacle, yet simultaneously disrupt them with playfulness. Editor: Right! These symbols hint at the complicated cultural legacy of the circus. It’s a celebration and a critique all in one frame. The way the light casts these beautiful warm tones also gives the piece this great nostalgic feeling. Curator: It’s a reminder that even behind the greatest shows, there is a dedicated team ensuring that everything goes smoothly! Editor: Absolutely. It makes you appreciate the effort and community behind the spectacle.