Broken Reflection

The artwork portrays a young woman holding a round, antique mirror with an ornate turquoise frame that is fractured into multiple sharp shards. Each crack splinters across the glass, distorting her reflection and symbolizing the fragmentation of her inner self.
On one side, the reflection is cold, tinted in hues of deep blue and green — ghostly, detached, almost hollow — representing the hidden truth she tries to suppress. On the other side, her real self outside the mirror glows with warm, fiery undertones of orange and red, capturing vulnerability, exhaustion, and suppressed sorrow. The contrast of warmth outside the mirror versus the cold distortion inside creates a visual duality of how we present ourselves versus the reality we conceal.
The hand holding the mirror is painted in earthy, realistic tones, grounding the surreal elements of the piece. The dark, textured background further amplifies the sense of isolation, allowing the mirror and the subject’s face to command the viewer’s attention.
Symbolism:
Cracks in the mirror → Shattered identity, suppressed emotions, mental scars.
Two versions of the face → The contrast between one’s external image and hidden inner truth.
Color palette → Warm tones symbolize life and vulnerability, while cool tones symbolize suppression, pain, and emotional distance.
Circular mirror → Cyclic nature of self-confrontation, inevitable truth.
Mood & Emotion:
The piece evokes a strong emotional response of melancholy and introspection. It resonates with themes of inner struggle, hidden pain, and the fragility of self-image.
Placement & Appeal:
This artwork would resonate with collectors and admirers who appreciate psychological depth in surreal art. It would be particularly striking in:
Contemporary art galleries.
Mental health awareness exhibitions.
Personal collections of those drawn to symbolism and emotional storytelling in visual art.
✨ This piece falls into the high-emotional surrealism category. In the art market, digital fine art prints of this level of depth and uniqueness can sell between $200 – $1,200 depending on size, exclusivity (limited editions), and printing medium (canvas, aluminum, archival paper).