The True Mirror, by Dalia Sofer

How many times a day do you examine yourself in a mirror? And each time your reflection stares back at you, what do you see? How can you tell that the duplicate image of you is candid? Is it really you? Or is it an image that you've grown accustomed to over the years? It is eerie to think that after all, the mirror is the main tool we have that enables us to perceive ourselves visually. So we can only hope that both the image and our perception of that image are accurate.

Think for a moment of this Greek myth: When Narcissus saw his reflection in a pool of water, he did not realize that the image was his own. He believed it to be another person, whom he found extremely beautiful, and with whom he immediately fell in love. Later realizing that the reflection was his own, Narcissus was devastated for being unable to fulfill his passion, and chose to die.

Most of us are a step ahead of Narcissus, in that we at least recognize our own image. But whether or not we fall in love with what we see is a question of perception. Our relationship with our duplicate image is considered to be a valid reflection of our self, but on the other hand the image we perceive is entirely subjective, and there is no way to measure its accuracy. So looking at our image in the mirror becomes an experience that is both gratifying and frustrating. What's more, the mirror reverses our left and right sides, so that our image is always reversed.

Think about it. Not only you can never see yourself objectively, but what you see is not even a true image of you. It is reversed. So what? You may ask. Well, picture this: You are trying on a new hat at a clothing shop. You are standing in front of a mirror to examine the look of it, and the sales lady is near you, giving you fashion tips. Do you think that her perception of you and your own perception of your reversed image are identical? Absolutely not. Because of asymmetric features in your face, the image you consider as your duplicate may be strikingly different from your self, as you actually appear to others. Furthermore, the disparity between you and your reflection is not only present in your appearance, but also in the way you move and act. If, for instance, you tilt your head a certain way, it may appear differently to you as you watch yourself in the mirror, than to someone watching you.

Twelve years ago John Walter came up with the idea of a True Mirror, a mirror that would be able to reflect images as they really are, without the reversal of left and right. For years researching ways to fabricate this mirror, he has now successfully produced the object of his fascination. During an interview, Mr. Walter explained to me the theory behind his mirror, and discussed the way in which people have reacted upon seeing themselves in the True Mirror for the first time.

To manufacture the mirror, John Walter glues two pieces of custom-made glass (the glass has silver coating in the front as opposed to the glass used in a regular mirror that has the silver coating in the back) on two pieces of wood. He places these inside a frame, and adjusts the two mirrors so that they are at a perfect ninety degree angle to one another. To see your true image, you must look at the invisible seam where the two mirrors intersect. When you look in the True Mirror and hold your right hand up, you will notice that your image raises the hand that is on its right side. Or if you are wearing a T-Shirt that says, for example, "True image", you will see that the reflection of your shirt lets you read the writing as it is, without having it appear backwards. How do people react when they look at themselves in the True Mirror?

The disparity among these reactions is parallel to the diversity among us human beings, and the relationship we have with our selves and our bodies. To be willing to examine ourselves from a new perspective is perhaps an endeavor that not all of us are capable of accomplishing. But the True Mirror can surely lend itself as a tool for self-knowledge. Stare at your reflection for some time and try to notice your movements and your facial expressions. How do you laugh? How do you blink? Do you have any facial lines that you were not aware of? If your hair covers your forehead or part of your face, does it cover to the extent that you had intended it to? Then, stare into your duplicate's eyes. What do they tell you? You may feel as though you are looking at another person. Your best bet is to try to make that "other" person your best friend.

Perhaps in a few years the True Mirror will become a staple of our society, so much so that we will wonder why or how we ever looked at our image reversed. Perhaps we will enter department stores and try on clothes in front of mirrors that reveal our true image. A dancer may soon enter his studio and be able to practice in front of a mirror that would tell him how he actually looks on stage. An artist may sit in front of her canvas, holding a brush, painting her portrait with the help of the True Mirror.

Until then, however, you can check out the mirror at a clothing and accessories shop called Oceanus (120 Worth Street)[no longer there - 7/00], or contact John Walter. Whatever you do, be prepared to get to know yourself a little better.