The Knife Thrower’s Assistant

This series explores the unquestioned convention of a circus act through the lens of feminist critique.   In an act of male phallic aggression the knife-thrower hurls his blades at his assistant who is invariably a woman.  While he receives the accolades and applause she is the one essential to the show’s ongoing success through her display of trust and courage.

The Knife Thrower’s Nightmare, oil on canvas, 50 x 45 inches, 1984

The Knife Thrower’s Nightmare, oil on canvas, 50 x 45 inches, 1984

The Knife Thrower’s Assistant #1, oil on canvas, 52 x 40 inches, 1985, private collection, Athens, Greece

The Knife Thrower’s Assistant #1, oil on canvas, 52 x 40 inches, 1985, private collection, Athens, Greece

The Knife Thrower’s Assistant #2, oil on canvas, 52 x 38 inches, 1984

The Knife Thrower’s Assistant #2, oil on canvas, 52 x 38 inches, 1984

The Knife Thrower’s Assistant #3, oil on canvas, 52 x 38 inches, 1984

The Knife Thrower’s Assistant #3, oil on canvas, 52 x 38 inches, 1984

The Knife Thrower’s Assistant #4, oil on canvas, 52 x 38 inches, 1984

The Knife Thrower’s Assistant #4, oil on canvas, 52 x 38 inches, 1984

The Knife Thrower’s Assistant #5, oil on canvas, 52 x 40 inches, 1985

The Knife Thrower’s Assistant #5, oil on canvas, 52 x 40 inches, 1985