This painting is very personal to me, it depicts a time in my life where I struggled with the person that I showed to the outside world versus the person I hid away from the world, one that I was still trying to understand.
 
The figure, curled in on itself, embodies a sense of introspection, a retreat into one’s own thoughts and emotions. The monochromatic palette enhances the feeling of isolation, allowing the viewer to focus on the contours of the body and the tension within.
 
The absence of a face adds to the sense of anonymity and universality—this could represent anyone grappling with their own fears and insecurities. The subtle hint of wings behind the figure introduces a layer that symbolises the desire for freedom or escape, contrasting with the tight, protective posture, a shell against the world.
 
This duality encapsulates the essence of vulnerability; while the figure appears fragile, the wings hint at an underlying strength and the potential for transformation.