Aphenphosmphobia
Drawing on paper. Colored pencil, ink, acrylic. 8.5 × 11 inches. 2023
Aphenphosmphobia captures the unsettling essence of the fear of being touched or overwhelmed, rendered through vibrant yet disquieting imagery. The composition centers on a fragmented and surreal face, its features stretched and contorted as though caught in a struggle between identity and distortion.
Drawing on paper. Colored pencil, ink, acrylic. 8.5 × 11 inches. 2023
Aphenphosmphobia captures the unsettling essence of the fear of being touched or overwhelmed, rendered through vibrant yet disquieting imagery. The composition centers on a fragmented and surreal face, its features stretched and contorted as though caught in a struggle between identity and distortion.
Drawing on paper. Colored pencil, ink, acrylic. 8.5 × 11 inches. 2023
Aphenphosmphobia captures the unsettling essence of the fear of being touched or overwhelmed, rendered through vibrant yet disquieting imagery. The composition centers on a fragmented and surreal face, its features stretched and contorted as though caught in a struggle between identity and distortion.
The purple and blue tones of the central figure evoke a sense of fragility, vulnerability, and emotional intensity. The expressive eye peers out from a sea of chaos, perhaps a silent witness to the overwhelming forces closing in. The exaggerated lips and warped expressions create a surreal commentary on communication and connection—or the fear thereof.
Surrounding the central figure is a dense thicket of jagged orange and green forms that resemble thorns or flames, representing both danger and entrapment. These sharp, chaotic shapes seem to encroach upon the figure, reflecting the suffocating sensation of unwanted closeness. The stark black background amplifies the intensity, creating a void that contrasts with the vibrant colors, further isolating the central figure.
The interplay of color and form within the piece mirrors the internal conflict associated with aphenphosmphobia, balancing allure and aversion in a single, captivating image. It invites viewers to consider the complexities of fear and connection, evoking empathy while remaining deeply enigmatic.
