Artist Victoria Denecke poses with some of her artwork, at top and above, which aims to reveal the harsh realities of life as a circus animal.
All art has a purpose. Art decorates people’s lives. Art can start conversations and create controversy. Art also can inspire people to act.
Victoria Denecke is a student artist whose work does just that. Denecke’s work will be exhibited from Sept. 4 to Sept. 15 at the University of Wyoming Visual Arts Center. She is a self-described super senior from Worland majoring in art.
“I’ve been drawing since I was little,” she said. “I have always loved art and I enjoy drawing from life and creating lifelike images.”
Her main focus is printmaking. “I’ve always been a drawer,” Denecke said. “But after I took my first printmaking class, I never looked back.”
Denecke’s exhibit questions the notion that the circus is the “Greatest Show on Earth.” She pushes people to look at the reality behind the glamour and lights.
A quick glance at Denecke’s art might warm the heart of circus lovers. Prints of animals commonly seen under the big top might cause people to reminisce about the excitement surrounding the day the circus came to town.
However, upon closer inspection, those memories take on a more sinister note. The eyes of those beloved animals reveal a soul tortured by the harsh cruelty of being held captive.
“I would describe what I’m doing now as kind of protest art,” Denecke said. “I really want my art to get people’s attention and raise awareness.”
“What inspires me changes from day to day,” Denecke said. “It usually comes from whatever happens in real life to my general interests.”
Between a part time job and other classes, Denecke hardly has time to breathe let alone create. Like most artists, she is dedicated to her work.
“The visual arts center is open basically 24 hours a day for students who want to work,” Denecke said. Her regimen for finding time to create includes a lot of coffee and late nights.
UW has a new visual arts facility and offers exploration in all areas of art.
“Being here has really helped me develop my art and who I am,” Denecke said. “This is my first individual show. I’ve done other group shows, but this is the first show where it’s just my work being displayed.”
Even non-art majors interested in getting their hands dirty can take an introductory class and learn a new skill or find a new passion, Denecke said.
Within three rings under a big top carried in on the backs of the great beasts of Earth, a temporary escape from reality awaits the people in the stands. The cost of that escape may be greater than they know.
