Chain Reaction (Not My Monkeys)
Chain Reaction (Not My Monkeys)
By artist: Jacqui Burnell
Chalk paint on canvas, recycled frame, gloss varnish. 60 x 32 x 5 cm
Inspired by the saying "not my circus, not my monkeys," this painting explores the emotional burden of carrying responsibilities that are not entirely our own. A solitary figure sits beneath a storm-darkened sky, dressed in a vintage ringmaster-style jacket that suggests expectation rather than authority. Though surrounded by no visible circus, she appears weary from managing the unseen chaos of modern life. In her hand hangs a chain of brightly coloured barrel monkeys—a familiar childhood toy transformed into a symbol of interconnected worries, obligations, and emotional labour. Each monkey represents a problem passed from one person to another, linked together until the line between personal responsibility and inherited burden becomes difficult to distinguish. While the phrase encourages us to detach from problems that do not belong to us, many people find themselves carrying concerns for family, friends, communities, and a troubled world despite knowing they cannot solve everything. The work reflects on empathy, resilience, and the quiet exhaustion that can accompany this. It asks a simple question: when everyone insists the monkeys belong to someone else, who is left holding the chain?
About the artist.
Jacqui Burnell is a Brisbane-based self-taught artist whose practice spans painting, functional furniture art, and imaginative clay creations. After leaving a long corporate career in 2017 due to chronic illness, Jacqui returned to art as a form of personal restoration. What began as therapy evolved into a vibrant multidisciplinary practice grounded in curiosity, storytelling, and a love of colour. Working with chalk paint, acrylics, and air-dry clay, Jacqui moves fluidly between canvas, sculpture, and furniture. For canvas art she enjoys still life, portraits, and often leans toward moody blues, storm-laden skies, or bold maximalist colour. Her clay work brings forth whimsical characters, expressive faces, and animals that are infused with personality and charm.
Collection or delivery.
This item is part of the Not My Monkey Art Exhibition, on display at Plant Empire from 25 July - 16 August 2026. Exhibition items are available for sale in person or online. In the unlikely event that a customer purchases the item in-store at the same time as it is sold online, we will refund the online purchase - thank you in advance for your understanding if this situation does occur. Exhibition pieces will be available for collection in-store or delivered from 16 August: to collect your item in person, please select the 'in-store pickup' option at checkout; or to have it delivered, please select either the Australia Post or courier option (Brisbane only) at checkout and your delivery fee will be calculated automatically.