This portrait of Tunisian president Ben Ali, clasping his hands in pleasure while surrounded by cartoon figures of worshipful children, reminds me of a Soviet era propaganda poster. It was the most primitive example of political iconography I saw during my visit to Tunisia. The poster was badly crinkled, and by shooting it from the side, I’ve found incongruous reflections that create a surreal image, more fantasy than reality.

(Looking at this image a few years later, after Ben Ali was driven from power in a January, 2011 revolt, it appears even more ominous and a portent of things to come.)