Madness or Truth

(and why life is scary) 2022

The interdisciplinary project “MADNESS OR TRUTH” translates Fritz Riemann’s psychological classic “Grundformen der Angst” (Fundamental Forms of Fear) into a synergetic fusion of poetry and illustration. This work reframes fear not as a pathology, but as an existential and inevitable element of the human experience—arising from the internal tensions between closeness, distance, duration, and change.

Through a dialogue of evocative imagery and lyrical resonance, the four types of fear are manifested into a sensory experience, making the struggle for psychological equilibrium tangible. The project illustrates that mental health is not a state free of fear, but rather the capacity to move flexibly within these fundamental tensions. By weaving together depth-psychological theory and artistic expression, “MADNESS OR TRUTH” serves as a vital bridge toward fostering resilience and understanding the complexity of our inner worlds.