Some people, presences, and gazes are entrancing, haunting. They conjure stories and unlock closeted fears. Many of the characters here are wearing makeup,
costumes, or masks. Often their eyes speak volumes. Encountering them on the street, we might politely look away. However, I invite you to stare as long as you dare.
Lola (2017)Lola
Lola is a bearded man with painted face and false eyelashes in a gay pride parade. His beard is obscured to add to the gender bending ambiguity of his come-hither look.
I See Dead People (2017)
Intense Witch (2018)
Steampunk Witch (2023)
The Smile That Beguiles (2023)
Droid (2018)
Icy (2021)Icy
A reveler in Verona's Papa del Gnocco parade strikes a contemplative pose.
Soul Thief (2019)Soul Thief
Intentional camera movement adds to the ornate quality of this Day of the Dead painted and bejeweled mask.
Spray-On Beauty (2019)Spray-On Beauty
The spray paint artist is faster and more dramatic than a plastic surgeon in transforming the persona of his willing subject.
Dante's Inferno (2019)
Dante's Inferno
The metallic bird mask doesn't hide much of the undulating muscleman who dances before LED flames.