This painting, inspired by the character of Iago from Shakespeare’s Othello, is a striking depiction of a perpetual struggle that we all face between our ego and our better selves. Showcased, are figures with distorted features, in different stages of a inner battle, easily recognised by the dark, ominous hues seizing their heads that evoke a sense of unease and danger, suggesting the power of our ego to control and manipulate our thoughts and perceptions.

The use of contrasting colors and bold, expressive brushstrokes create a sense of movement and dynamism, represent the struggle to find balance between our ego and our better selves but nonetheless suggesting that there is hope for overcoming our ego and taming it, ultimately in the quest of “don’t let Iago in”, finding a sense of balance and harmony within ourselves.