"Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror"

"Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror" is a reflective artwork by John Ashbery that explores perception, identity, and the nature of self-awareness. The title references a famous painting by Parmigianino, which depicts a distorted self-image reflected in a convex mirror. Ashbery's poem, inspired by this concept, invites readers to consider how perspectives and perceptions shape our understanding of ourselves and the world. It highlights the fluid and often elusive nature of self-identity, emphasizing that our sense of perception is both limited and subjective, much like viewing oneself through a distorted, rounded mirror.