Light of My Shadows, Shadows of My Light

The Light of My Shadows, The Shadows of My Light, showcases the search for lighting through the darkest moments of the pandemic. Juan Moreno shares his view of the different emotions he felt during the lockdown period: “I think I’ve been learning to control all of these emotions more than ever. All the ups and downs I went through has taught me to keep it under control and learn a lot about myself. In the last twelve months, I saw more breakdowns than in my entire life. I had to re-arrange my interests, put everything together and start creating content. In this project, I show my most natural self in a very contained way.”

PHOTOGRAPHY DARREN BLACK CREATIVE DIRECTION, FASHION & MODEL JUAN MORENO WORDS PABLO DONAS

Happiness or sadness, the world tends to divide emotions between these two different states of mind – we often observe and consider moods in a single, flat emotional dimension. Research suggests that humour is the combination of this emotional dimension that reflects how active or energised we feel. The world we live in sets the verge of collapse on how we think and interact. 

There are 27 recognised moods or feelings for the human body, all of which can be experienced in just a single day, but that is not always the case. Those can be defined by multiple factors, internal or external to the subject and thus, can be controlled or not. A global crisis is a contemporary example of an external agent, out of control for the body. If a natural disaster, pandemic or war affects a group of people, they might go into the darkest emotions and negativity. To recover wellbeing, a search for light might be needed. This will often be conducted individually, based on a pursuit of joys and inner peace.

Some individuals will find the light through new or old hobbies, creating art or acquiring knowledge. It is also necessary to care about oneself, have self-respect and self-love. Make a list of the things you want to change in your life, prioritise and start moving. In the end, all conduct to the same path, the balance between the physical and emotional world. The older we become, the more aware of the correlation between the two previously mentioned dimensions. Growing and being mature also means becoming realistic, moody and complicated. Self-analyse every now and then; keep track of your emotions, understand the main issues beneath, and solve them. 

“Shadow owes its birth to light.” — John Gay