The desire to become one series, 2025
Digital photography on true ivory
Triptych: (3) 47,5 cm x 65 cm
Artist’s Statement
Shadow man series revolves around the merging of archetypes of the Self and Shadow, deeply rooted in Jungian Psychology. After undergoing a process of unmasking, thus letting go of the need to maintain a certain persona, Shadow Man recognises the need to become a fully rounded human being, and this requires him to confront his darker side. Living with post-traumatic stress disorder, he would often project his insecurities onto other people and this stems from his inability to come to terms with the fact he is also flawed. He is too quick to notice traits that he dislikes in others, oblivious to the fact that these are traits he possesses as well but fails to see them as he is caught up in the overly rehearsed persona, he gives out to the world.
To attain personal growth, Shadow Man must integrate aspects of his personality that he often keeps concealed from the public. He needs to fall in love with the unseen, the cracks within and the not-so-beautiful aspects of himself because it is only when his shadow merges with the self, his light will never be dimmed again. This is often referred to as “shadow work”. In Sepedi, the shadow can refer to either moriti (shadow or shade) or seriti (dignity/aura). I argue that a man who does not integrate his shadow aspects into the self is likely throw shade at others who have done the inner work and therefore stands to lose his dignity.
The Desire to Become One Triptych
In The desire to become one triptych, I attempt to speak about the negotiation of space between the Self and the Shadow. This is a process when Shadow Man is finally coming to terms with parts of himself that he used to shun, thus understanding that he cannot be his true self with these them.
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