Fear is a normal, necessary emotion that protects us and can even be thrilling, but it can also lead to torment and become pathological. This collection features around 70 artworks—including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations—created by various artists who explore themes of fear, dread, and terror. The works, by notable figures such as Wilhelm Busch, Edvard Munch, Louise Bourgeois, and Andy Warhol, span different epochs and styles, forming a visual narrative on fear and anxiety in art. Accompanying the vibrant illustrations are reflections from psychiatry, psychology, and psychotherapy, along with insights from art history, cultural studies, sociology, politics, literature, music, philosophy, and theology. The discussions are prefaced by a conceptual introduction that addresses fear as a fundamental emotion, its physical and cognitive symptoms, and approaches to treatment, including psychotherapeutic and pharmacological options. Additionally, the book emphasizes prevention, public awareness, and the de-stigmatization of fear in society. An essay by Dr. Martina Padberg from the University of Bonn provides an expert art-historical perspective, enriching the exploration of these powerful themes.
