This striking image captures two enigmatic street performers in vivid costume and expressive face paint. Their theatrical presence blurs the line between playful engagement and mysterious intent. With one figure pointing directly at the viewer, the performance feels both inviting and unsettling. The bold colors and dramatic expressions evoke curiosity, drawing us to question what lies beneath the surface—harmless jest or something deeper?

Photographed at the 2014 Zinneke Parade event in Brussels, Belgium. The image was retouched and a blended texture was added to achieve a painterly effect. (May 2014)

• My other portraits and scenes from the Zinneke Parade