23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
The theatricality of being

Identity is not an immutable truth, but a ceaseless representation of the self. In a world that demands performance, every gesture, every expression, every place becomes a stage. This photo explores the theatricality of being, an investigation into the boundary between our authentic "self" and the character we play. In this contrast of anonymity and presence, self-perception and the influence of context on our identity are questioned. The mask does not hide, but reveals; it is not a veil that covers, but a mirror that distorts and reflects, inviting the viewer to look beyond the surface and confront the idea of ​​a face in constant transformation. The theatricality of being is an ode to the paradox of our identity, a tribute to the constant dance between who we are and what we choose to show.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Alghero, Italy
Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Copyright: © Silvia Sanna