In this striking close-up portrait, a street performer channels playful intrigue and theatrical charisma. The young woman’s vividly painted face and wide-eyed expression convey surprise and enchantment, drawing the viewer in. Bold geometric makeup and a vibrant background accentuate her dramatic role, offering a glimpse into a world where performance, emotion, and art seamlessly converge.

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