id, superego, ego – Mixed Media Painting

“id, superego, ego”
Collection: Uncharted Territories

Original Artwork by Sónia Oliveira
2022
Acrylic painting and decalcomania on paper (300 gsm)
12 x 12 cm

Surrealism & Introspection

“id, superego, ego” is a captivating acrylic painting that delves into the depths of the human psyche, combining elements of Jungian symbology and the concepts of id, ego, and superego. The artwork portrays three figures with dismorphed heads, each representing a different aspect of the human psyche. The dismorphed heads symbolize the fragmented nature of the mind, hinting at the complexities and contradictions within each individual.

The first figure in the painting is depicted with a yellow head. This figure represents the id, the instinctual and primal part of the psyche. The yellow color signifies energy, spontaneity, and uninhibited desires. The dismorphed head suggests the id’s untamed nature, often driven by immediate gratification and pleasure-seeking. The textured crossed patterns on the head represent the tangled and chaotic nature of the id’s thoughts and desires.

The second figure has a blue head, embodying the ego, the rational and conscious part of the psyche. Blue symbolizes intellect, introspection, and calmness. The dismorphed head signifies the ego’s struggles in reconciling conflicting thoughts, emotions, and desires. The textured crossed patterns represent the ego’s attempts to bring order and control to the chaos of the mind, weaving a sense of structure and stability.

The third figure features a head that combines both red and blue, representing the intertwining of id and ego. This figure embodies the struggle between instinctual desires and rational judgment, highlighting the delicate balance between the two aspects. The red color signifies passion, impulse, and emotional intensity, while the blue represents reason and logic. The textured crossed patterns on the head symbolize the constant interplay and tension between these opposing forces.

The bodies of the figures are textured in black and white, representing the contrasting aspects of good and evil, light and darkness within each individual. This duality reflects the ongoing battle between the ego and the id, striving for harmony and integration. The black and white textures suggest the ongoing search for balance and self-discovery.

Overall, “id, superego, ego” invites viewers to explore the intricate workings of the human psyche and the complex interplay between the id, ego, and superego. It encourages introspection and contemplation of the multifaceted nature of our thoughts, desires, and motivations. Through its symbolic representation, the painting urges individuals to strive for self-awareness and the integration of their various psychological aspects, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and balanced existence.