The Last Sideshow
The Last Sideshow
By artist: Jacqui Burnell
Air-dry clay, chalk paint, recycled brass tray, artist board, lacquer. 90 x 90 x 10 cm
Before television, social media and 24-hour entertainment, people flocked to circuses to marvel at the unusual. Bearded women, strongmen and acrobats became spectacles that were celebrated for, and simultaneously reduced to, their differences. This trio reimagines those performers through hand-built clay portraits mounted on art board and recycled brass plate. Annie Jones the bearded lady wears a fragile paper crown—a symbol of dignity reclaimed despite a career built upon curiosity. Ling-Ling the acrobat embodies discipline hidden beneath theatrical costume and painted identity. Arthur the strongman represents the expectation that strength must always be performed. These works ask who truly carries the burden when audiences dismiss performers as entertainment, while the performers themselves live with society's projections, expectations and judgements. The monkey was never theirs alone to carry. This series reflects how we continue to define people by difference, appearance or the roles assigned to them. The circus may have disappeared, but our appetite for spectacle remains.
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.