POSTMODERN EXPRESSIONS IN JOHN ASHBERY’S SELF-PORTRAIT IN A CONVEX MIRROR: SEARCH FOR SELF, DECONSTRUCTION, AND STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS

This article analyzes the poem Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror by American poet John Ashbery from the standpoint of postmodern poetics. The poem explores the contradictions between art, identity, and unreal reality through poetic meditation. Throughout the text, Ashbery depicts the instability of human consciousness, the restless flow of thoughts, and the difficulties of self-perception. The self is perceived as constantly changing, like a distorted reflection in a mirror. The author examines language and meaning play, stream of consciousness, deconstruction, and intertextual connections, highlighting unconventional methods of representing identity in postmodern literature.