Gomboc Gallery exhibition by Swan View artist Brian Richard Taylor

CELEBRATED Swan View artist Brian Richard Taylor will open an exhibition at the Gomboc Gallery in Middle Swan this weekend.

Mr Taylor (84) has been an artist most of his life.

“I can’t remember when I wasn’t drawing and sculpting,” he said.

He did two tours during the Vietnam War, carrying a notebook and pencil when he was on patrol and drawing when they stopped for a break.

Much of his art features the character Harlequin, who Mr Taylor described as an everyman.

“He suffers from all the foibles of the individual – sometimes he’s in charge; sometimes the situation is in charge of him,” he said.

“He is at the whim of his destiny. Even though the future may be rough, the horizon is misty.”

Mr Taylor is a firm believer in open, indefinite interpretations of art. He does not explain his art, because everyone views the world through a different lens.

“A work of art should have to live by itself,” he said.

“I am 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.

“Regardless of the level of sophistication, all interpretations are valid.”

Mr Taylor takes great joy in seeing people react to his art, and seeing themselves in his creations.

“If they can find a bit of themselves, that is the reward the artists needs,” he said.

“The artist needs an emotional reaction.”

Mr Taylor’s exhibition is being displayed at the Gomboc Gallery Sculpture Park from August 12 to September 16. Entry is free.