The Power of Laughter & The Art of Clowning
Historical
From the “humors” to aesthetics, the century-long evolution of humor
Physiological
The brain’s jog and the release of neural energy
Psychological
Reclaiming a sense of control—“I get to decide”—amid vulnerability
Social
A safe transgression that breaks through cold conventions
What Is Clown Art
When you hear the word “clown,” what comes to mind?
Is it the mascot with a gigantic wig outside a fast-food restaurant? A performer in a circus, walking on stilts and twisting balloons? Or a villainous character with an eerie smile in a film?
In Taiwan’s medical settings, there is a group of people who wear red noses. They don’t hand out balloons, don’t necessarily perform magic, and aren’t always trying to be funny. They are the “Red Nose Doctors,” a group of performing arts professionals who have undergone rigorous training. They bring “Clown Art” into hospital wards that are highly controlled and filled with the sounds of medical equipment and the smell of disinfectant.
In this article, we want to set aside the public’s stereotypical image of clowns, beginning with the historical context of the performing arts, and talk with you about this question: What exactly is “Clown Art”? Why can this seemingly absurd form of performance, in the cold hospital ward, grow into the most resilient tenderness?
What Is a Medical Clown?
A Medical Clown is a professionally trained performing arts practitioner. They enter medical and care institutions to serve patients, family members, and healthcare professionals. Through participatory arts such as clown performance, music, and games, they provide non-pharmaceutical emotional healing through customized improvisational interactions. Medical Clowns take on the role of companions, helping patients shift their attention away from illness while providing caregivers with space to catch their breath, and are committed to creating a people-centered, welcoming healthcare environment.
