MULTIPLE SELVES
Eden arts awards Finalists, 2021
Multiple Selves explores the complexity of human identity and emotional experience through biomorphic ceramic figures and surreal landscapes that evoke both freedom and confinement, reality and unreality. In this world, distorted yet alive, these nearly human forms inhabit an exaggerated landscape—expansive yet constrained, vibrant yet squeezed within limited space. Each figure embodies an emotional narrative, capturing states of intensity, fragility, and vivid drama, as they wrestle with the constraints of their existence and strive for transformation.
This body of work draws on psychological theories of self and identity, suggesting that individuals contain multiple, often conflicting, aspects within their psyche. The characters portrayed are arrogant, struggling, curious, and desperate—each navigating their inner conflicts and desires as they evolve within the constraints imposed on them. They are in constant flux, tearing apart, reshaping, and growing in an endless cycle of revolt and resilience. This coexistence reflects both harmony and chaos, as each figure finds itself in a state of symbiotic interdependence with others, mirroring the human experience of internal conflict and interconnectedness.
Multiple Selves offers a reflection on the multifaceted nature of identity in the face of societal pressures, inviting viewers to acknowledge and accept their own inner diversity. The work aligns with my broader research into identity, embodiment, and psychological resilience, using art to explore the necessity of embracing multiple aspects of the self as a path to inner peace. In a world marked by complexity and pressure, these "selves" are neither shameful nor frightening—they are integral, each representing a part of our inner lives that must be understood and integrated.
By creating these nearly human forms, Multiple Selves encourages a unique dialogue between the viewer and their spiritual world, presenting a contemplative space to recognise and reconcile the multitude of selves within us all. This work reminds us of the importance of engaging with our inner worlds, as true harmony can only emerge through self-acceptance and understanding amidst the chaos of modern life.