The Shadow is a psychological concept that Jung defined in the simplest possible way as “the thing a person has no wish to be.”

Whether in analysis or within a spiritual tradition, the first step to wholeness is to face and integrate one’s shadow. In Sufism the initiation of this process is called Tawba, whereas the Christian tradition of confession seems to have its roots in such a practice. Alchemists referred to the shadow as the prima materia, “vile and glorious”, as it doesn’t only contain our worst aspects, but also our unrealized potentials and gifts we have repressed due to familial or social pressure – which is why there is gold in it here.

Original: acrylic and gilding on Murillo 340gsm, 50×50cm