Shadoe Delgado

     I create these chubby yet lanky, “Shadow” figures. They follow people around in the hopes of understanding how they work. The Shadows often wear masks to blend in and find a sense of self.

  My work references the various situations, feelings and thoughts I’ve had over the years. In most cases I am influenced by my experiences with mental illness. I use the Shadows to represent various aspects of my personality. Whether as an 8 year old or 35 year old, I have always felt the need to fit it in. Sometimes this meant doing things I didn't want to do. I always felt like I was a follower and that I would change face depending on whom I was with. I was desperate to fit in or be a smidge more likeable. A lot of this was due insecurities caused by the mental illnesses surrounding me and my family.

    I use the term Shadow to describe these beings because of the shadow’s nature to follow what it's being cast from. Carl Jung describes the Shadow as the least desirable aspects of our personality. We tend to repress and choose not recognize these aspects. It’s been my goal to try and give these ideas a tangible form through my art and come to terms with these ideas.