Touch Grass: The Healing Power of Vulnerability
Research shows people in cities are often constantly aware of their surroundings. Over days, months , and years, this *hyper*awareness leads to a higher incidence of physical and mental illness.
Complementary research shows time spent in greenspaces is correlated with improved physical and mental health.
In this social experiment funded by The Arts Commission and National Endowment for the Arts, photographer and subjects demonstrate how vulnerability and can make you stronger.
To create this project, I carefully curated a cross-section of city residents in #Toledo, Ohio. I then invited them to meet a strange man in the park so he could take their picture.
When they arrived, I asked they wear dark glasses that occluded their vision as they lie prone with their vital organs facing the sky.
I felt the portraits not only should visualize vulnerability, portrait participants had to experience it.
Lest I be mistaken for sadist, I also participated in the experiment.
On five separate occasions I hauled more than $6000 of camera equipment to a public park. Alone. To meet people from the internet.
I grew up in Detroit. To this day, I find it hard sit with my back to a restaurant door. I was as much a participant in this project as its orchestrator.
I’m happy to say my anecdotal experience matches the research.
Like The Hound in Game of Thrones, my cynicism is informed by experience. Even still, I came away from this project feeling lighter.
The time spent in the late summer sun with these wonderful strangers reminded me *some* people are conscientious. Kind. Worthy of trust.
A reminder we need now more than ever.
Conceptual Installations
