Untitled: A Reflection

When I started ‘Untitled’, I felt completely drained and depleted. At the time, I had just ended a difficult relationship, and I didn’t fully realise how much it had affected me. That period left me feeling at an all-time low, without self-love, without self-respect, and with poor boundaries. I allowed people into my life who treated me disrespectfully, and I blamed myself for the pain that followed.
The symbolism in this painting reflects those feelings; My emotional state, my struggles, and the way I internalised anger and pain. The work became a mirror of my experiences, a way to process emotions I could not yet fully express. Those emotions made me feel as though I was drowning.
Despite everything, I have a deep connection to this piece. It shows how far I have healed since that period of my life. Even as collectors and galleries expressed interest in the work, I held onto it and refused to let it go. Untitled is the foundation of my practice; it marks both an end and a beginning. After completing this painting, I stepped away from creating art for a long time. This necessary pause allowed me to heal.
I always thought that I would eventually come back to this piece once I found peace and clarity, and that I would give it a name. However, after over a year, I feel that Untitled perfectly describes that chapter of my life, and I do not wish to change its name.
Reflecting on this work now feels like closure and a new beginning. I am ready to start a new chapter in my practice, and with me I carry the strength and resilience that ‘untitled’ has helped me unveil.

Copyright Notice:
Reference photographs for ‘Untitled’ © Naiya Hohlidaki, used with permission.