This photograph is an artistic and symbolic image, taken in black and white. It shows a man seen from the side, with his back turned to the viewer and his face facing a mirror. The man is bared from head to waist and has tattoos on his arm, shoulder and back. He has a short-shaven scalp and a beard.
The most striking and surreal element of the picture is in the mirror. Instead of showing the reflection of the man himself, the mirror shows the head of a donkey attached to a human body, the man's reflection. This creates a powerful and figurative image that can be interpreted as a comment on self-perception, identity, or the expression "donkey" (which in English means "jackass" and stands for a stupid or foolish person). The donkey also looks directly into the mirror. The lighting is dramatic, with strong contrasts between light and shadow, enhancing the serious and contemplative mood of the picture.
My name is Patrick Mertens, but in creative circles I am also known as Pat Probleme, my alter ego always looking for new ways to capture the world. Through this site, you will get an insight into how I see the world - through my eyes and.. Read more…