Pre-Handshake Handshake Device
Date: 2010
Materials: Steel, acrylic, rubber
Exhibited at the Uncomfortable Conversations exhibition during New York’s ICFF 15th-18th May 2010. Large limited edition photographic prints of the device as shown left and below in collaboration with photographer David Sykes will be available soon. To register an interest in purchasing a print please email sales@dominicwilcox.com
Description:
Many people in the world seem to be at war with each other. We see families split through disagreements, gang warfare on the streets, politicians arguing, whole civilisations and religions constantly battling. This device aims to help those who are at odds with each other make a first move toward reconciliation.
A traditional handshake can sometimes be just too big a step for those entrenched in their dislike of the other. No matter how important it is for two people to reconcile their differences they simply can’t get over their pride and lower themselves to the symbolism of a handshake with the other party.
I designed this product in an attempt to give those people a new, more acceptable alternative. I hope that this device will lower the bar for initiating reconciliation from the heights of the full contact hand on hand handshake to a more palatable non contact handshake. I plan to contact embassies around the world where resentment is prevalent. I would like to see all family counseling offices have one in their meeting rooms. I would encourage anyone who has fallen out with a friend, family member, work colleague, gang member or world leader to use the Pre-handshake Handshake Device and let bygones be bygones.