My Own Goliath

“My Own Goliath” is a deeply personal sculpture that emerged from a period of intense introspection. Inspired by Caravaggio’s portrayal of himself as Goliath—a means for the artist to confront his past misdeeds—I chose to depict myself as Goliath to grapple with the immense guilt I felt following the end of a significant relationship.

I saw myself as the antagonist in my narrative, burdened by the perception that I was solely responsible for the relationship’s conclusion. Creating this piece became a form of self-flagellation, a way to process the overwhelming emotions and to hold myself accountable for my actions.

Initially, the sculpture included a representation of David. However, concerns arose about the likeness, leading me to make the difficult decision to remove David’s head and fragment Goliath’s body. This alteration profoundly changed the work’s meaning. Now, both figures have lost something—David his head and Goliath his body—symbolizing the mutual losses and shared faults in the dissolution of a relationship.

“My Own Goliath” explores themes of guilt, responsibility, and the complex dynamics of personal relationships. It reflects on how both individuals can be deeply affected by an ending, each losing parts of themselves and undergoing significant personal transformations. Through this sculpture, I aim to delve into the fragility of identity and the journey toward self-forgiveness and understanding in the aftermath of profound change.