Archetypes in Shadow

There’s a lot about myself that makes me feel uncomfortable. Aspects that lurk in the shadows that I continually pretend don’t exist. From time to time they make themselves known. When they do, I’m reminded that no matter how much they are buried, the shadow will always resurface.

This inner dynamic also revealed itself in a young family member navigating a spiral of self destruction. Witnessing inner shadows at work in someone else cast new light on the challenges of becoming a complete person. For better and for worse.

Shadow boxing

The concept of the Archetype Shadow sculpture was born in the midst of this young adult facing-down the shadow self. Always finding themselves in battles without wins. The choices they made seemed blind to outcomes. They fronted with wild hedonism. A suit of armour disguised the truth under complex layers of vulnerability. They were leading an exhausting, punch drunk life.

In some ways bringing the fight to their shadow was brave. At least they weren’t ignoring it. But confrontation created a perpetual battle. This felt like a universal fight, present in others including myself. An altercation stuck on repeat. Sometimes the shadow gets the cold shoulder. We create distance choosing to focus on who we would rather aspire to be, but this only delays it’s inevitable return. In either case, fight or flight, we remain at odds with parts of ourselves.

Nurturing the darkness

When creating Archetype Shadow I wondered whether there’s a better way to engage with shadow. Could we see this dark companion as a troubled friend rather than an enemy? Sometimes friends can be difficult to be around. Relationships take work and in some instances it’s best for everyone to part ways. But we can’t walk away from this particular friend. We can’t deny ourselves. Acceptance and understanding feels like the route to a more centred life. This doesn’t always mean that change isn’t necessary, but maybe letting ourselves off the hook a little allows us space to be real.

Revealing a shadow to the world

There is something comforting about having a small, physical shadow self on display. The small scale of Archetype Shadow feels safe. A familiar and comforting presence despite knowing what it represents. At scale we are afforded an aerial view of a difficult subject, a new perspective. Its physicality, is a reminder that there are parts of ourselves we would prefer to keep in darkness, yet they are never completely suppressed. They are real even if we wish they were not.  Its scale doesn’t intimidate, it invites nurture. An acceptance of imperfections. To walk alongside them with confidence in the glare of the world.