Circesque

＂Circesque＂ is a celebration of an idea Christian Tagliavini had in 2008 and resulted in his photographic series of the same title produced in 2019. Exploring the world of the circus, this specially crafted book is a unique invitation for the reader to form their own stories through exquisitely detailed costumes, unexpected props, and a glimpse of the people behind the greasepaint and powder.

＂Circesque＂, explores the untold lives of circus folk. Stripped of the tired clichés of circus life, these mise-en-scène portraits reveal the human behind the archetype. The images betray the protagonists’ innermost feelings as they mount the platform, put themselves on the line, and take the risk: all under the watchful eye of their audience. Acrobats. Trapezists. High-wire performers. Escape artists. Tattooed ladies. Jugglers. Nature-defying contortionists. All present and accounted for as in any traditional Big Top. But a closer look reveals some unusual details.

Christian Tagliavini (*1971 in Switzerland) studied graphic design and worked as an architect and graphic artist before he focused on photographic art in 2000. His artistic development shaped his complex relationship with the art form. His works are not only pictures but designed narratives for which Christian Tagliavini produces all visible components himself: ranging from the interior of the set to the clothing of the protagonists. He regards himself as photographic craftsman with these unique compositions. His highly praised series 1503 (2010), Carte (2012), Voyages Extraordinaires (2015), 1406 (2017), and Circesque (2019/20) have been part of numerous international exhibitions and art fairs. He ranks among the most influential contemporary photographic artists in the field of staged photography. Christian Tagliavini’s works are part of leading international private, public, and corporate collections. Christian Tagliavini works and lives in Switzerland.