Searching for Self: Anibal Vallejo

I’ve always heard that it isn’t until we hit our 40s that we really come to know and understand ourselves fully.  While I’ve just entered my fourth decade, I can say, I wholeheartedly believe this is true.  The work of Colombian artist Anibal Vallejo reminds me of the searching for self that we do in our younger years.

Untitled, acrylic, graphite and hand embroidery on canvas, 150×120 cm

We might try on different styles of self– whether that be in trying out varied careers, trying on different types of relationships or merely figuring out just who we are and where we fit.

Untitled, acrylic, graphite and hand embroidery on canvas, 120×150 cm

Often we may feel like we’ve found the right fit at the time, but eventually, the “suit” loses its novelty and we look back, seeing how very far we were from who we really are.  We may look on that younger self as putting on the most ridiculous of costumes on our road to discovering ourselves.

Untitled, graphite, acrylic and hand embroidery on MDF, 60cm

In some cases ( but by no means all! ), with age and maturity comes a better understanding of who we are and a confidence in being exactly the person we were meant to be.

Untitled, acrylic, graphite and hand embroidery on canvas, 120×150 cm

Untitled, graphite, acrylic and hand embroidery on canvas, 120x150cm

Maybe you’re one of the lucky ones.  You were born knowing exactly who you are and what you were meant to be.  But most of us spend our lifetimes figuring it out.  I feel like I’m getting closer each day.  How about you?

To see more of Anibal Vallejo’s work, please visit his website.

Artist found via Escape Into Life.

Featured image is Untitled, graphite, acrylic and hand embroidery on canvas, 120×150 cm.  All images are via the artist’s website.