A street musician is captured mid-performance, his expressive face and worn jacket adorned with abstract theatrical paint motifs. The golden saxophone gleams against a stylized, painterly background, suggesting a vibrant cabaret atmosphere. The blurred lights and textured finish lend a sense of movement and rhythm, echoing the sensuality of the live parade music. This evocative photograph blends realism and abstraction to celebrate the artistry and eccentricity of street performance.

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