Niles’ Obsession by Alex Liong (Original Drawing)

Original Drawing. 18×21 Pen and Ink on Paper.

Based on the archetype of the “obsessed artist,” this piece depicts a writer bound to his work by means of a shadowy figure covered in typos.

In Jungian psychology, archetypes serve as symbols of a particular identity and/or personality that’s universal across all cultures. For every “positive” archetype, there are two “negative” ones referred to as the “shadows.” In this piece, one of the two Artist shadows, the “Obsessed Artist,” is seen keeping his host prisoner to his work.

This piece was drawn to demonstrate the harm that comes from overworking. The writer in this drawing has his concentration drawn away from his work, but he feels the pull of his Obsessed Artist shadow forcing him to continue and it does so with a sinister happiness.

We don’t see what harm comes from the shadow’s intent, but that’s left to the viewers’ interpretation. Perhaps the writer’s obsession over his work is disallowing him from enjoying a fulfilling social life. Instead of wanting to get away, perhaps the writer is perturbed by a distracting friend and is giving an annoyed stare to let them know to leave him alone, unaware that he’s rejecting his friend’s concern over his well-being. Or maybe the writer does want to get away from his work, but his shadow is justifying his obsession, and he himself doesn’t put much effort into stepping away from his desk.

Regardless of the effect, viewers are encouraged to recognize that their Obsessed Artist shadows don’t have the best of intentions when they take over their host. It’s best to keep them at bay and know when to take a break.