I think it really comes down to compassion. But compassion isn’t always rainbows and sunshine.
Carl Jung’s practice of Individuation involves the integration of shadow -
The shadow being the parts of yourself you deny or repress. For instance, saying ‘i’m a good person’ isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but when you say that you imply’ i’m not a bad person, unlike xyz’ when in truth we are all capable of both.
By being honest with oneself it allows for honesty with other people.
If you deny your capacity for darkness it may come out in other ways such as racism sexism or homophobia. (We’ve seen cases where those who are adamantly against gay marriage are themselves closet homosexuals) People who insist on moral perfection may be masking a fear of their own fallibility.
So By accepting one’s imperfections one is more likely to accept it in others. Or, by accepting that one is capable of bad things one is more able to make better choices not impulsive ones.
For example, bravery is not the absence of fear (that would be ignorance or stupidity) think about encountering a venomous snake - bravery isn’t not knowing the snake is venomous or not caring, but acknowledging the fear and not being overcome by it.
In my understanding of the individuation process, one examines all aspects of oneself even those they may wish to hide. And sometimes in the darkness you find shame or fear, and sometimes you may find something beautiful.
In this series i am exploring this process for myself and the viewer
Visually I have been inspired by early photographic processes, spirit photography and German Expressionist film with their use of shadows in movies. Often using techniques with double exposures and visual effects created by hand (which I use often in my own work in combination with modern technology). Movies like Vampyr, Noferatu or Dr Jekyl and Mr Hyde, which is another perfect example of the shadow. A man trying to get rid of evil, and in doing so loses control and unleashes it in himself. These stories developed simultaneously with psychology, and I believe still have repercussions today. The popularity of Dracula has been said to represent societies fear of immigrants or strangers that might bring disease or steal their women. An example of the shadow in relation to society as a whole.
Reflective surfaces such as glass metal are used so the viewer is confronted with their own shadow /reflection while viewing the work -I don’t want to say too much about what I was thinking about in each image, I Want the viewer in approaching the artwork to have their own experience/interpretation. but I am happy to answer any questions if anyone is curious.
This year i have really come to realize that we do not exist in a bubble- as much as I try to. With Covid we’ve seen how easily we can infect each other, and Because of Covid sadly i was not able to be there in person. Thank you to everyone who helped put this show together.