The Observer 2024

Mixed Media

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 A man enters the tram, swearing loudly. He appears unstable, anxious, and almost violent. People begin to avoid him immediately, and in response, he directs more angry words toward those trying to keep their distance. A muscular man tries to take control of the situation, raising his voice and asking him what's going on, which leads to an argument. After several exchanges and conflicts with other passengers, I came to realize that this man was deeply afraid and hurt. He was lashing out at people avoiding him, yet he was being wounded by their reactions as well. The man's soul carried hidden wounds, and his ego sought to recreate them in reality, manifesting this violent scenario.
This is an example of how deep-seated fears are expressed through the ego, as it lashes out, reacts, and then feels hurt again by others' avoidance and scorn. This unresolved pain, directed by the ego, becomes real, creating yet another painful cycle. Internalized fears, if not addressed, will be controlled by the ego and continue to be expressed in reality.

In life, we are hurt deeply and superficially by people and situations, sometimes to the point of trauma. If not healed, these fears are governed by the ego and recreated in the world. Wounds continue to multiply, endlessly shaping the world in countless painful ways.

The "Observer" represents stepping outside of oneself to observe one's own actions and thoughts from a third-person perspective. Through the Observer's lens, we can look at ourselves with curiosity, questioning the beliefs and ego that define us. Are these ideas--formed by our ego, consciousness, and environment --truly part of who we are, or are they shaped by societal expectations and external influences?
The Observer refrains from judging or controlling, simply looking at things as they are. In this unrestricted state, we face our essential inner fears and hope to see them emerge without external labels or constraints.