Adrian Paci
The Encounter
2011
9 photographs
C-print
each 70 x 56 cm

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The series of 9 photographs „The Encounter“ shows a man, who places a chair in the middle of a
public square. He takes seat. Gradually, several hundred protagonists enter the square and
approach the seated man in order to shake his hand. The simple and habitual gesture of the
handshake is repeated so often that it transforms itself into a meaningful ritual. While the reason
for the ceremonious meeting remains unknown, the encounter between the participants becomes
charged with tension. A moment of connection occurs, not only between the persons, but also
between the participants and the square, which is transformed into a stage. The work was
produced in the town of Scicli on Sicily.