Juxtaposition of the Ordinary

The Enigma of Isidore Ducasse by Man Ray, 1916.

The Enigma of Isidore Ducasse (1916) by Man Ray is considered an example of found object art (or "readymade" art), a form of artistic expression where everyday objects are selected and repurposed as art.

In this work, Man Ray took a sewing machine, wrapped it in fabric, and bound it with string. The result is an enigmatic, surreal sculpture inspired by a line from the French poet Comte de Lautréamont (Isidore Ducasse was his real name):

"Beautiful as the chance encounter of a sewing machine and an umbrella on a dissecting table."

The piece exemplifies the Surrealist movement's interest in dream-like juxtapositions and the transformation of ordinary objects into something mysterious and thought-provoking.

Think about how we sometimes hide objects—wrapping them, storing them, or transforming them into something unrecognizable—and how this mirrors the way we hide parts of our mental state. Reflect on an object in your life that has been altered or hidden. Does it feel more authentic in its covered state or when uncovered? How does this parallel hidden parts of yourself—are they more "real" when concealed, or when exposed to the world?

Journaling Prompt: It’s a fascinating idea to meditate on—the duality of concealment and exposure. Hidden parts of ourselves, much like concealed objects, can carry a sense of mystery, depth, and even protection. When hidden, they may feel raw, private, or untouched by the influence of the world, maintaining a purity that feels “real” because it hasn’t been altered by outside perception.

On the other hand, exposure can bring clarity, validation, and connection. It allows these hidden parts to breathe and take on new forms through shared understanding or external engagement. But in exposure, do they lose their mystery? Do they shift to fit the expectations of others?

Perhaps neither state—covered nor uncovered—is wholly “real.” Instead, the tension between the two is where authenticity lives: the act of choosing what to reveal and what to keep hidden. Like Man Ray’s shrouded sewing machine, both states tell a story—one of potential in concealment and one of transformation in exposure.

Do you feel more yourself when parts of you are kept hidden, or when they're shared openly?