ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Sean Landers Presents Solo Circumnavigation Clown Series at Friedrich Petzel Gallery

exhibition · 2026-04-22

From May 6 to June 18, 2011, Sean Landers showcased 'Around the World Alone' at the Friedrich Petzel Gallery in New York City. The exhibition highlighted a clown character on a solitary journey, which first appeared in Landers's early work. This alter-ego allowed him to break free from previous text-driven pieces that delved into themes of ambition and insecurity. Although clowns often elicit unease in society, Landers celebrated his unconventional hero. The clown navigates a poorly constructed ship with erroneous nautical elements. Notable works included 'Around the World Alone (Force Ten Stalwart)' and 'Around the World Alone (Arctic Endurance)'. At the gallery's entrance, bronze clown heads were featured. Landers referred to himself as primarily an 'armchair sailor'. The gallery's address was 537 West 22nd Street.

Key facts

  • Exhibition titled 'Around the World Alone' by Sean Landers
  • Held at Friedrich Petzel Gallery in New York City
  • Dates: May 6 to June 18, 2011
  • Features portraits of a clown on a solo circumnavigation
  • Clown is an alter-ego that appeared early in Landers's oeuvre
  • Works include 'Around the World Alone (Force Ten Stalwart)' and 'Around the World Alone (Arctic Endurance)'
  • Exhibition includes cast bronze heads of seafaring clowns
  • Landers is an experienced sailor but calls himself an 'armchair sailor'

Entities

Artists

  • Sean Landers
  • Bruce Nauman
  • Cindy Sherman
  • Bas Jan Ader

Institutions

  • Friedrich Petzel Gallery

Locations

  • New York City
  • United States

Sources