Circus I
| CCAC #: | 0003 |
| Artwork title: | Circus I |
| Artist(s): |
Albert Adams |
| Year made: | 2006 |
| Artwork type: | Paper |
| Medium: | Lithograph on paper |
| Framed dimensions (in mm): | 760 x 560 |
| Edition: | 49/50 |
| Artwork series: |
Circus |
| Source: | Donated by Edward Glennon |
| Year acquired: | 2009 |
| Installation type: | Movable artwork |
| Current location: | On external loan |
| Exhibitions: |
Spring Is Rebellious: The Art & Life of Albie Sachs: 24 July 2025 - 23 August 2026 |
| Signage: | Circus I (2006) is a lithograph on paper by Albert Adams and forms part of his Circus series. The work uses the image of the circus as a metaphor for human behaviour and social systems. Figures are shown in a way that suggests performance, control, and repetition, reflecting Adams’ interest in how people can be shaped by external forces. The monkey motif appears as a symbol of burden and vulnerability, pointing to themes of suffering, inequality, and injustice. The work is defined by expressive line work and energetic mark-making, which adds emotional intensity to the composition. |
| Themes: |
Inequality |
| Constitutional links: |
Human dignity - constitutional value (section 1a, section 10) Equality - constitutional value (section 1a, section 9) Freedom of expression (section 16) |
| Related constitutional cases: |
National Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality v Minister of Justice (1998) |
Photographer: Staff
Photo copyright: CCT
NOTE: The process of photographing artworks in the CCAC is underway - we are currently working to improve image quality and display on the CMS but have included internal reference photos for identification purposes in the interim.