🎭 Masquerade

“You shall not judge me by my appearance…”

“Masquerade” is a deeply personal piece that brings together two moments from my creative journey—one in words, the other in paint. Originally written as a sonnet for my college poetry class, the poem came straight from the heart. Years later, when I picked up my brushes, I found myself painting the emotions and truths I had once expressed in verse. It became clear: this painting and the sonnet belonged together.

This piece explores identity, perception, and the ever-evolving masks we wear through life. Some are given to us by others; some we craft ourselves. Together, the painting and poem invite you to look beyond the surface—to see the layers of influence, self-expression, and longing woven into the mask.

Here is the poem featured in the painting:

Masquerade
You shall not judge me by my appearance
We all wear a facade from day to night.
It was the society, which gave me the first mask
On every birthday a new one was presented
The mask that covered my true face.
As years passed by, the mask began to change
To few who really knew me it was not strange.
I have begun to make my own new creations.
Which have incorporated three combinations:
It contained the imprint of them, a little bit of me
And who I always wanted to be.
Now the mask seems very natural,
Without it you'll think of me as frightful.

The dimension of the painting is 18in x 24in

The painting is acrylic on a stretched 100% cotton canvas

Hand signed and dated on the back. Certificate of Authenticity (COA) included.