warming one another

two strangers
standing
centred on the pavement
cheek to cheek
in silence, for a while

In the winter of 2019, amidst the hustle and bustle and anonymity of the city of Cologne, katharinajej seeks physical contact with strangers. She wanders the streets and talks to people until she finds someone who is willing to "warm up" to her. katharinajej invites the person to take a close physical position with her in silence - be it standing cheek to cheek, touching hands, or hugging. They remain in this physical contact for three minutes, thus becoming a living sculpture in urban everyday life - a sign of familiarity between strangers. The experience of closeness that is created through prolonged touch creates intimacy and connection between two previously unknown people. The encounters take place in front of passers-by. A sign next to them explains the background of the performance.

In 2020, images of the performance were exhibited as posters in the city of Cologne, bringing temporary moments of encounter back into the urban space in the longer term.


Documentation
Feedback of participants

Pictures
Almut Elhardt

Support