At the corner of Main Street and Rose Avenue in Venice, this three-storey sculpture by Jonathan Borofsky puts a clown in a tutu above a CVS pharmacy. Made in 1989, the aluminium, steel and fibreglass figure joins the look of a street performer with the formality of a ballet dancer. Its unusual appearance can feel playful or unsettling, so it is a memorable stop for public-art fans. The sculpture has a motor that can move its right leg, though the kick is rarely used.
A clown above the street
At Main Street and Rose Avenue, Jonathan Borofsky’s Ballerina Clown hangs above a CVS pharmacy. The three-storey figure is made from aluminium, steel and fibreglass. Its tutu and clown costume bring together two different kinds of performance: street entertainment and ballet.
The sculpture was created in 1989. Its scale and unexpected setting make it easy to spot from the intersection, where you can look at it from different angles.
The moving leg
An electric motor gives the figure’s right leg the ability to make a slow kicking motion. The mechanism is rarely used, so seeing the sculpture move is not something to plan a visit around.
For another piece of public art nearby, combine the stop with Frank Gehry’s Giant Binoculars.
FAQ
Where is the Ballerina Clown?
It is at the corner of Main Street and Rose Avenue in Venice, above a CVS pharmacy.
Who made the Ballerina Clown?
Jonathan Borofsky created the sculpture in 1989.
Does the Ballerina Clown move?
Its right leg has an electric motor that can produce a slow kick, but the mechanism is rarely used.
