In his book Surrational Images, Scott Mutter’s commentary on this photomontage is uncharacteristically terse: “I prefer to remain silent about this image.” In discussing the matter recently, however, Scott pointed out that it’s impossible to see what is on the other side of the revolving door. We wonder: is that a beacon of light coming from the other side — or just a reflection of where we have been?

By keeping his thoughts about this image private, Mutter is empowering the viewer. To search for meaning in an image such as this, each of us must look inward, seeking answers in our own beliefs and ideas. And when we find those answers, we usually find more questions.

That just seems to be the way things work in Scott Mutter’s More Perfect World.