Contemporary, female* clowning: A niche of feminism. We all know clowns. Do we? Today, the figure is mostly associated with a cliche. It’s affiliation to the circus seems to be inseperable from the character and its‘ scary depiction is gaining in popularity. Often used for racist or sexist behaviour in politics and media, the figure has even become a symbol of toxique masculinity. However, apart from the associated cliche and the clowns’ medial representation, there is more to explore about the figure: Clowns have been part of society for centuries. In different forms, they appeared to break conventions, live contradiction, defy directives and cross borders, as they show the absurdity of normality. Being open with failure and playing with the darkest places of their soul, they want to relieve society of social constraints. The clown figure has been playing a major influential role acting as a mirror of society. How come such a valuable role is mainly occupied by men? Which society is mirrored and who profites from the liberation of the social constraints? Did the lack of perspectives lead to the symbol, the clown has become today? „CLOWNESSE.“ looks for broader perspectives in the contemporary clownesse. A society producing stereotypes, which’s thinking patterns are based on a patriarchal, discriminating system, offers the clownesse an opportunity for playing with difference and diversity today. In her being as a fool or an ugly Buffon, she can do what the male medial clown is less and less able to do: confuse, and thus come closer to the origin of the figure. Inspired by the first clown portraits oft the 19s century, I want to refer to the social status they once enjoyed and pay tribute to their artform again. Analogously photographed, the portraits presented in an abandoned villa in an unknown location. https://vimeo.com/512272866