Circus V

CCAC #: 0007
Artwork title: Circus V
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 V (2006) is a lithograph on paper by Albert Adams and forms part of his Circus series. The work continues to use the circus as a metaphor for human society, reflecting ideas of control, performance, and repetition.

The monkey figure is used to represent vulnerability and burden, suggesting wider themes of suffering, intolerance, and injustice. In this work, Adams’ strong gestural marks and layered line work intensify the emotional atmosphere of the composition.

Themes: Inequality
Constitutional links: Equality - constitutional value (section 1a, section 9)
Human dignity - constitutional value (section 1a, section 10)
Freedom of expression (section 16)
Related constitutional cases: National Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality v Minister of Justice (1998)

CCAC 432414

Photographer: Staff
Photo copyright: CCT

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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.