Calamity Cole: CIRCUS FANTASTIQUE- Arch Enemy Arts

In CIRCUS FANTASTIQUE, a theatrical parade takes place. Reminiscent of the French circus of Degas and Seurat but hidden away in some subterranean forest cavern, unspeakable beasts are tamed by playful pixies. Dimmed lights and echoing drumroll give way to a bizarre bustling menagerie, where tiny, mischievous mademoiselles take to the air, breathing fire and performing sorcery–creating a world that is all their own.

Calamity Cole lives in Southern California and studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the San Francisco Art Institute. She is deeply inspired by children’s books and describes her work as low-brown surrealism illustrations. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, she has had long periods of time when she has not been able to make art or use her hands and arms, and she wants “other artists or people newly diagnosed with RA to know that there is hope.”

​