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Description
I always wanted to create a series of self-portraits exploring the alchemical journey of self-transformation. Unknowingly, I've been creating exactly that! This piece began as a revisiting of an older self-portrait where I explored depression and the feeling of emptiness or void, the moths surrounding me symbolizing that inner darkness.

But as I edited, it transformed. The alchemical symbol of "decomposition" on my forehead now speaks of "nigredo" – a necessary breakdown before healing. From a psychological perspective, nigredo means confronting our shadows, as Carl Jung described – the hidden or difficult parts of ourselves that must be acknowledged for growth. The emergence of the golden mandala in the background offers a sense of optimism, hinting at the promise of wholeness and self-discovery beyond this challenging phase.

This journey of therapeutic self-portrait photography constantly surprises me. It's a process of self-expression, a mirror for the unseen corners of my mind, and ultimately... a path toward healing. I believe life is exactly that – a journey to discover who we are not, to shed all those masks and false selves, and allow our authentic Self to emerge. In the end, it's the inner work we've done that truly matters, not material possessions or even those around us. It's an inward journey, and the outside world reflects who we are. Our ego cannot be objective – it will always project itself onto the outside world. So maybe it's time to look inside and ask ourselves: what really matters to us? What is our soul seeking, despite the roles we play and the ideas and impressions we carry?

Description
I always wanted to create a series of self-portraits exploring the alchemical journey of self-transformation. Unknowingly, I've been creating exactly that! This piece began as a revisiting of an older self-portrait where I explored depression and the feeling of emptiness or void, the moths surrounding me symbolizing that inner darkness.

But as I edited, it transformed. The alchemical symbol of "decomposition" on my forehead now speaks of "nigredo" – a necessary breakdown before healing. From a psychological perspective, nigredo means confronting our shadows, as Carl Jung described – the hidden or difficult parts of ourselves that must be acknowledged for growth. The emergence of the golden mandala in the background offers a sense of optimism, hinting at the promise of wholeness and self-discovery beyond this challenging phase.

This journey of therapeutic self-portrait photography constantly surprises me. It's a process of self-expression, a mirror for the unseen corners of my mind, and ultimately... a path toward healing. I believe life is exactly that – a journey to discover who we are not, to shed all those masks and false selves, and allow our authentic Self to emerge. In the end, it's the inner work we've done that truly matters, not material possessions or even those around us. It's an inward journey, and the outside world reflects who we are. Our ego cannot be objective – it will always project itself onto the outside world. So maybe it's time to look inside and ask ourselves: what really matters to us? What is our soul seeking, despite the roles we play and the ideas and impressions we carry?