Carapace

This image is unique, riveting, and very symbolic.

Even if I consider just the top half of this photo, it would stand out as unique and great on its own, for it's a novel portrait of a strange subject, where he's staring focused at something below him with such morbid fascination.

I think the originality of this photo is very apparent, though I have a feeling this was an impromptu snap, rather than a careful setup.

The photo's technique is simple and direct, mostly derived from the B&W hues, soft lighting & shadows, but the angle of the camera and the unique appearance of the subject -- all these meld together to make this photo very impactful.

The reason why I consider this image symbolic is that it rises to multiple interpretations.

Who is this person? Looking at the author's gallery, I know this is a self-portrait, but if I just looked at this photo without any prior knowledge or bias, it is still excellent.

It is hard to tell how old the subject is -- he looks to be mid-thirtyish, but he could very well be older.

Why is this man staring at the ancient wooden panel? And why is he unclothed?

Does he find it somehow to be a mirror of his own aging body with its gnarled ridges resembling his new wrinkles, thereby reminding him of the frailty of his life?

Or is he wondering whether the wooden furniture's utility has been made obsolete, just as he may one become forgotten and ignored.

Maybe this is a brand new furniture, and he's just soaking in the aroma of fresh wood.

Maybe he spent some hard-earned cash to buy the furniture, and he is cherishing the fruits of his labor with a close feel of its textures and shape. Or it could be a fond family heirloom he is embracing its memories for the last time, before being forced to sell it to make his ends meet.

Maybe it is a coffin and he is paying his last respects to a dear departed family/friend, before he forsakes the coffin? If so, why is he not wearing anything (apparently)?

Very visionary photo, and a quick online translation of the poem indicates it is very apt. Well done sir!