Week 1 | 23/09/2024 | ‘Everyone is wearing clown make-up because everything is absurd’

Initial thoughts and first impressions

My initial thoughts and first impressions are that the article is full of opinions rather than facts. There are not many references within this article, meaning the information being presented is opinion based, therefore, cannot be taken as fact. The article highlights, Chappell Roan’s signature “clown-inspired makeup,” stating she draws her inspiration from “burlesque, drag, club-kid and classic clown aesthetic.”

Fig 1 - (Harrington 2024)

I disagree with the statement, “Clown makeup is slowly infiltrating the world of fashion, beauty and music.” White face make-up, also referred to as Clown make-up has been around for 500 years, starting with Queen Elizabeth when she had a case of violent fever (smallpox) leaving behind scarring. This led to an “iconic make-up style, that makes Queen Elizabeth one of the most recognisable Monarchs of British Royal history,” (Charleston 2019). Furthermore, we have seen clown inspired make-up throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s, in artists such as David Bowie, Cher and Alice Cooper. Here we see 3 different examples of how the artist uses clown make-up for self-expression. We can see how Bowie uses classical clown make-up, using bright colours to convey his eccentric personality and music. Whereas, Cher has applied her make-up in a more natural, but bold manner and lastly, Cooper demonstrates a more Juxtaposed clown signature look, to convey a less cheery demeanour. 

Fig 2 - (Bocaro 2018) | Fig 3 (Holloway 2016) | Fig 4 (Hollywood Hall of Fame n.d)

Harrington has highlighted all the modern artists who are inspired by clown make-up, such as Pat McGrath, Divine and Julia Fox, but as we can see, clown make-up has been infiltrated for over 500 years.

As a creative make-up artist, I have not come across actual clown make-up within our current industry, though there are elements and inspired looks, such as make-up techniques, using placement and colour. Lady Gaga is a good example of non-conformist and unconventional standards, demonstrated throughout the themes in her music and her overall look. Lady Gaga infuses eccentric elements, such as bold placement of colour, showing a progression from the clown looks of the past. However, I feel thatLady Gaga’s make-up is more high fashion and does represent modern beauty standards. 

Fig 5 (Abouarrage 2017) | Fig 6 (Abouarrage 2017) | Fig 7 (Abouarrage 2017)

Group Discussion

During this session, myself and peers discussed that the article mainly highlights, clown makeup as a form of rebellion and expression. Everyone in class had similar, strong points and opinions, for example the writer spoke of “goth makeup and clown makeup,” as though it was of a similar genre of makeup. The group agreed that there are some synchronicities between clown and goth make-up, such as, ‘a white base can be applied.’ However, in modern day gothic makeup, it is rare to see white base makeup, although this has been used in contemporary gothic makeup. Moreover, both clown and goth makeup do express rebellion, however, there is a polarity in presentation and ideology. 

When we think of Clowns and clown make-up, we think of and see bright, colourful shapes. Clowns are also traditionally known for and seen in the circus, which represents happy, positive and comedy vibes. In some cases, clowns/make-up are used in a juxtaposed way. Such as, a clown aesthetic applied, i.e. a big, happy smile, where the character is unhappy and depressed. In the video used in the article, this is shown, where the male actor has stubble and a cigarette hanging out his mouth and is fighting with his partner, but he is wearing a big clown smile and clown make up which shows there are contrasting factors that play in the dynamic between narrative and the representation of emotion. 

Goth ideology on the other hand, is defined by individualism, free-thinkers and freedom of expression. Goth culture is known as a sub-culture or counter-culture and like to pride themselves as being different from mainstream culture. Gothic rebellion can look like challenging social norms, standards and traditions or the status quo, usually through art and in music, fashion and literature. 

Rachel’s Questions? 

Do I think the article was well written and well researched?

Throughout the article, the writer provides interesting and informative points, based on her personal journey and lived experiences growing up in a conservative family. The writer also highlights some fashion designers, makeup artists and musicians, including Pat McGrath, Divine and Julia Fox, who have inspired her and who have infiltrated modern-day trends. Unfortunately, the article did not include many references and so I was unable to locate the source. The group felt this article was more opinion based than factual, due to lack of evidence. Furthermore, the statements the writer made that we felt as group were not true, such as her comparisons between clown and goth makeup. Moreover, where she exclaimed that clown makeup has only just started to infiltrate modern day trends. 

Would you be penalised for wearing White base makeup? 

In short, the answer to this is a definitive, yes! Today, Clowns are more commonly viewed as scary, villainous and known for being paedophilic. Clowns are used in film, such as ‘IT' and ‘The Joker,’ where the characters are serial killers and illustrate complex themes around abuse and mental health and trauma. Also, clowns have been known nationwide in the paedophilic and serial killer ring, such John Wayne Gacy and Dean Corll. In 2016,‘The Killer Clown’ covered the media, The Liverpool Echo covered a story of men/woman trawling the streets of Liverpool, parading as killer clowns. 

Do you perform when wearing makeup?

Do I think personal identity changes with what makeup you put on? I think personal identity is deeply rooted and we all have multifaceted and complex personas. Makeup can help to accentuate, experiment and express different parts of our personalities and to some help them feel more comfortable and confident in themselves. On a deeper level, we all have beauty and uniqueness within us, but like clothing/fashion and hair styles/colours, makeup provides us with the materials and techniques to bring our individual selves to the forefront. Makeup is a creative art form and has a wide spectrum of uses, placement, techniques to give the desired feel and look. Makeup can be used naturally to freshen up your skin, or may it be to shape brows, highlight cheekbones, line lips to make them look fuller, or on the other end of the spectrum, makeup is used in film in special effects or in drag queen culture. Makeup has the power to transform us into different characters, it can hide insecurities (blemishes, scars and dark patches), it can frame your natural beauty and so much more.

Summary

The writer of this article refers to the political elements of clown makeup and the historical reasons for its uses, beginning early on, where it was used to hide smallpox. The writer highlights how clown makeup developed into a form of rebellious expression, explaining it was a way of going against conventional standards of makeup. The clown look has been around for centuries, and shown itself in a variety of aesthetic, including the 1970’s, a time for social movements and freedom to express your sexuality and flamboyancy. The writer highlights different ways clown makeup is applied, such as classical clown (bright and bold shapes), natural placement and juxtaposed.  We can also see how clown inspired trends have influenced current trends, such as Lady Gaga for her individualism and unique branding. The writer did compare clown and gothic makeup, due to their rebellious themes, however, we felt overall this was conflicting. Although we agreed to an extent that on a small technical scale this had some relevance. We felt that the two looks were completely different in terms of their individual ideologies and historical backgrounds. Furthermore, both looks present opposing presentation, in colour and intention. The writer highlights, the power of makeup and its transformative qualities, touching on her inspiration and influence from Burlesque, Drag, club kid and classic clown aesthetic. Overall, this article was well written and some good reflections and personal perspectives were highlighted based on her own opinions. This article might have benefited from the use of citing’s and references, to inform the reader further around the art of clown makeup.

References:

Abouarrage, N (2017) Celebrating Lady Gaga’s Most Iconic Beauty Looks, From the Outrageously Bold to the Elegantly Chic [online] Available at: www.magazine.com Accessed on: 23/09/2024

Bocaro, M (2018) BOWIE – ‘LIFE ON MARS?’ [online] Available at: https://madelinex.com Accessed on: 23/09/2024

Charleston, LJ (2019) The truth behind Queen Elizabeth’s white ‘clown face’ makeup [online] Available at: https://libbyjanecharleston.medium.com Accessed on: 23/09/2024

Harrington, N (2024) Everyone is wearing clown makeup because everything is absurd [online] Available at: www.dazeddigital.com Accessed on: 23/09/2024

Holloway, M (2016) A 1970s Time Capsule from #AtoZChallenge – C is for Cher [online] Available at: https://mholloway63.wordpress.com Accessed on: 23/09/2024

Hollywood Hall Of Fame (n.d) Alice Cooper [online] Available at: https://walkoffame.com Accessed on: 23/09/2024

Kensington Mums (2019) Halloween Make-Up Inspired by Lady Gaga [online] Available at: www.kensingtonmums.co.ukAccessed on: 23/09/2024 

Original source for this article - Harrington, N (2024) Everyone is wearing clown makeup because everything is absurd [online] Available at: www.dazeddigital.com Accessed on: 23/09/2024