Haoyuan Li

EMOTIONAL REALISM

Erich Fromm, the renowned psychologist, once wrote, “One cannot be deeply responsive to the world without being saddened very often.” The quote emphasizes that emotional awareness necessitates a willingness to experience sadness to empathize with the world, which is often ignored in contemporary society. To be truly responsive to the world, we must allow ourselves to feel and process sad or difficult situations instead of ignoring or avoiding them. Emotions can be a double-edged sword, enriching our experience of the world but also exposing us to the inevitable pain of life.Accepting our emotions and shortcomings is crucial in preventing emotional instability caused by the unpredictability of life, as constant emotional influence can diminish self-awareness and lead to denial of negative emotions that arise. When emotions arise, it’s important to accept them without resistance, observe their arising and dissipation, and examine their origins. This project aims to enhance emotional intelligence and promote self-exploration by encouraging individuals to recognize and engage with their own emotions, while also reflecting on self-acceptance, self-reflection, self-deconstruction, and reconstruction.

“In addition, The VR posters showcase sleek metallic colours and abstract geometric shapes, conveying mental health concepts to raise awareness of emotional well-being and self-acceptance. The futuristic design, bold typography, and immersive visuals invite the viewer to experience a virtual reality world.”