‘The Weight of Self Reflection,' Oil on linen, 120cm x 150cm, 2026
The Weight of Self-Reflection draws inspiration from Caravaggio’s Narcissus and Michelangelo’s Pietà, bringing together the act of self-contemplation and the burden of responsibility. The work reflects on narcissism within a contemporary image-driven culture shaped by influencers, politicians, entertainers, and public figures from all walks of life. In an era where visibility has become a form of power, the painting questions the weight carried by those who continuously project themselves into the public sphere. It explores the tension between self-image and collective consequence, asking what kind of influence is ultimately left behind. Rather than offering judgment, the work considers self-reflection as both a necessary human condition and a potential trap, where admiration of the self can obscure awareness of others.