A few weeks ago, artist Reuben Breslar led a social art project for Salon Contra called “Touch” in my living room. Salon Contrarians were asked to attend “bearing skin.” When they arrived, Reuben asked them to paint each other. The experience required participants to get right into each others personal spaces and push each other into really uncomfortable places. However, all were happily chatting and covered with paint by the end of the evening. How different this was from the “bubble” project in which the participants were kept very separated from each other not only by a physical structure but also by rules that inhibited discussion and interaction (except for the morning kiss). Both situations created discomfort and resulted in personal growth. I think the one that created the most discomfort resulted in the most personal growth.
