Etalem

Artwork story

This piece explores the layered nature of identity and self-reflection. The central figure represents stillness and introspection, while the two silhouettes emerging from either side symbolize the multiple perspectives and experiences that shape who we are. Rather than portraying division, the three faces represent coexistence—the past, present, and future existing within one self. Through this work, I invite viewers to reflect on the many identities they carry and how those layers come together to form a whole.

The warm halo of orange and red behind the figure evokes both the sun and a spiritual aura. It represents energy, ancestry, and the guiding presence of those who came before us. The color palette draws inspiration from earthy tones and warmth often found in African visual traditions, grounding the figure in cultural memory and resilience.