Jie Gao

When two strangers meet, the ways in which they greet each other can set the tone for the rest of the conversation. This greeting is made up of each individual’s movements, their behaviour and ways in which they use language. For those who find it challenging to communicate, interpreting these signals can be difficult. They instinctively feel uncomfortable directly interacting in this way and do not interpret social situations with ease. For those who fear contact with strangers, I would aim to question the root of this uncertainty. From where does this fear arise? Is it caused by the verbal forms of greeting, the potential for physical contact or does it come from the potential of having to maintain conversation with another?  When we say goodbye we often end with “Keep in touch”. My project explores the literal complexities of this symbolic phrase, exploring what it might literally mean to keep in touch with another person.