Untitled 

Harrison Fisher created this watercolor, ink, and gouache artwork, presenting us with a portrait of a clown. The clown, often a figure of jest, also carries a melancholic weight, a duality that reaches back to the ancient world. Here, the clown’s gesture, hands raised as if in playful surrender, echoes those found in commedia dell'arte. Think of Harlequin, whose antics mask deeper social commentary. The red pom-poms adorning the hat and costume punctuate the image with a vibrancy that is both festive and, perhaps, a little unsettling. Consider too, the archetype of the Fool, present in folklore and theater across cultures. The Fool challenges societal norms, using humor to critique power, and, through laughter, offers a release. Our response to the clown is deeply rooted in collective memory, a psychological dance between amusement and unease. The image engages us on a subconscious level, stirring up both joy and the poignant awareness of human vulnerability.