24 Jan 2014

The unbearable likeness of being

4:21 pm on 24 January 2014

Two Texan women have alleged to have been mugged at knifepoint by – going by the police artwork – an animate but unfinished sketch from a children’s cartoon.

The worst police sketch ever?

The worst police sketch ever? Photo: Lamar County Sheriff's Department

Lamar County Sheriff’s Department last week released a composite sketch based on the women's description of the man they say they were mugged by: about six feet tall with short black hair, a round face, a straight nose and tattoos on his arms and neck.

The resulting image – which police were quick to point out was “not a true depiction of the suspect, only a likeness”, in case there was any doubt – lacks lips and eyebrows.

As The Huffington Post pointed out, it bears more resemblance to Beast Jesus than a human being. (There is, of course, a Tumblr devoted to more Funny Police Sketches.)

On the subject of likeness of being, here's a Canadian photographer's study of people who could be twins, but have never met; another photographer's study of genetics; and the BBC and Wired on “Uncanny Valley”, where lifelike animations, artworks and robotics cross the line from cute to creepy.

And, of course, one mugshot that's instantly recogniseable:

Justin Bieber's Miami Police Department mugshot.

Justin Bieber's Miami Police Department mugshot. Photo: Unknown