The illustrator dredged the depths of his own subconscious—and tapped into something collectively screwy in America.

By Gal Beckerman

From the May 2025 issue.

Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices