Mykola Trehub has a unique view of the picture plane for that time. He creates multi-layered works that can be viewed from two sides. He paints, glues cut-outs, paints again... He works from the front side and on the back, creates volume, and imposes a new meaning with each layer. ‘Self-Portrait at Night’ reflects the ground, on top of which a portrait mask appears.
The mask is a symbol of escape from reality, a talisman against unknown threatening spirits or the Soviet government. On the back, we can see clippings from art books and archaeological research - activities that were also an escape for the artist.
