"Paradoxe sur le comédien" is the title of an essay (published 1830) by Diderot in which he debates the role of actors, and how best they can convince an audience of an emotional expression. I used this title for a two-part exhibition that occurred sequentially in partnering institutions.

Paradoxe sur le comédien (Part I) is a sculptural installation of circus come performance, come disappointing spectacle. A series of 21 cardboard boxes are perched upon made bleacher-like stands. When facing them, the viewer is confronted with 21 gaping holes, asses, faces and mouths. Sexually implicit, they each have a comic yet sad and silent voice. This "dumbfounded audience" is watching an anti-climatic projection of a drawn line, part finger part phallus. Black bunting decorates the air to summon the experience of this anti-event.