This work is one about the royal court jester Stanczyk who lived in Poland for 1480 to 1560. He served three different Kings as a jester but also became a symbol for Polish struggle for independence. Just like the painter Jan Matejko who also painted an image of Stanczyk I have also painted my harlequin with my likeness.

While creating this work I was looking at Matisse Blue Nude II 1952 and Dance (1), 1909. Their flat geometric shapes give stillness and movement at the same time. I also looked at Picasso’s Harlequins from his Rose Period 1904-1906 for inspiration when it came to the quality of the lines and background.

This work acts like a self-portrait for me. Throughout my life, I have been a Chameleon that has been able to infiltrate different parts of society. I have always acted in a different way that would allow me to fit into these different surroundings. Much like a jester who never is a part of the royal court but has access to the court and the king, I feel like I have that same privileges.
Even here at PNCA a place that I am involved in different aspects of my education, I often feel as if I do not fit in. That I am a harlequin of my own experience. There are people who argue that the harlequin was Picasso’s alter ego but for me, I see it as just who I am. And that now I am in a place in my life where I’m tired of denying it and am ready to embrace it.