As with the Medieval Italian original, my Harlequin is not gender specific (Alequino-Alequino). The traits I attribute to Harlequin can be observed in either sex.

I use Harlequin to represent that so familiar individual we see manipulating the goodwill, trust and loyalty of those about them. He is one of those who believe that altruism is a weakness to be exploited, thereby providing confirmation of his authority and superiority, not only to others but also to himself. If questioned, he is unable or unwilling, to recognise that any of his actions could adversely effect others.

Usually I use nudity to depict vulnerability and/or naivety although there are occasions when it is intended to suggest surreptitious manipulation. I rarely intend nudity to be provocative or erotic.

I am somewhat reluctant to discuss my work in any greater depth, as I believe that a work of art must stand on its own ‘presence’. Art must be able to speak for itself. Because of this and the conviction that art is more visceral than cerebral, I feel it is problematic for an artist to attempt verbal explanation. We, each of us, have our own highly personalized library of implanted references, and regardless of the level of sophistication, all interpretations are valid.

Furthermore, I have noticed that the ‘explanations’ offered by artists, often seem to be more an exercise in marketing and self promotion than occasions of aesthetic revelation. Even so, for myself, I am much more comfortable with tongue in cheek than plum in mouth.
Brian Richard Taylor