Herpetophobia

Statement

Herpetophobia, the fear of reptiles, has been an irrational yet enduring part of my life, often surfacing as deep anxiety and insecurity. This work investigates what fuels that fear, focusing on their skin, texture, and the hypnotic oscillation of their movements—qualities that hold a powerful grip over me.

Printing on black paper introduces subtlety, allowing forms to emerge gradually and demanding careful attention. Folding and manipulating the paper becomes a way to assert control, turning a previously overwhelming encounter into an active negotiation with fear.

Origami-inspired surface tessellation evokes the repetitive patterns of reptilian skin, spreading inner fears across a flexible structure that mirrors natural movement and transforms anxiety into a shared, immersive experience.