References

Bruce Nauman - 'Clown Torture'

• 1987
• Use of repetition to cause discomfort.
• Installation containing 4 different screens, with 4 different types of clowns makes the experience noisy.
• 'Clown' and 'torture' may be seen as juxtaposing words, something the viewer sees before entering the installation.

Clown Torture by Bruce Nauman, 1987 from clemence grieco on Vimeo.

Stephen King - 'IT'

• Novel - 1986, original film - 1990, remake - 2017
• Some say King was inspired by serial killer, John Wayne Gacy.
• "We all float down here.' - a well known phrase from older generations which has now been re-emerged in the 2017 'IT' film.
• Use of sharp teeth and dark places is a classic set up for a horror film. 
• End of the film it turns out he is a giant spider like create, emphasising that people don't see clowns as 'completely human'.

John Wayne Gacy - 'Pogo the clown'

• 1972-78
• Well known American serial killer
• Convicted of killing/sexually assaulting at least 33 young men.
• Worked as Pogo at fundraising events and children's parties (an innocent looking job making a useful disguise.)
• Below is an interesting piece about the makeup that Gacy used, making his mouth with sharp edges rather than rounded to avoid scaring children.

American Horror Story - 'Twisty the Clown'

• 2015
• A clown with a disturbed past (rumours about him being a child molester).
• Kidnaps children from parents who deprive them from joy.
• Smiling mask used to cover his missing jaw.
• No longer works as a clown but still wears the costume (reason for his costume looking so dirty and used).
• Murderer.