The contact catalogue is both a recorded and participatory performance work, exploring how we can rediscover the importance of touch and physical closeness as social animals. It seeks to centre renewed softness, embodied feeling and inter-dependence as things of vital importance in contemporary society, both in the face of growing social division and unfolding environmental crises. 

The contact catalogue is split between 3 channel film, interactive audio headset installation and live performance encounter. Visitors have the opportunity to engage with both the audio installation and performance physically, being guided directly by live-artist Rob Hesp to feel and gently move through solo, partner or group touch scores. As audience and participants, you’re invited to listen deeply and reconnect with touch, experiencing The contact catalogue both with yourself and with those around you. 

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The contact catalogue was presented at Wäinö Aalto Museo, Turku Finland between December 2021 and March 2022 as part of the Institute for co-existence, co-curated by Mikkel Elming and Gry Worre Hallberg. 

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Acknowledgements

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3 film works, filmed by P1nk Poodle. 

Edited by Rob Hesp. 

With thanks to the staff and team at Wäinö Aalto Museo, Gry Worre Hallberg and Mikkel Elming, VSSL studio and Ben Hansen-Hicks.

Workshop participants Jonas Michell Nielsen, Lady Helena Vortex, Lavinia Fox, Lúa Mayenco, Lydia Newman, Maryam Hashemi, Samm Shackleton, Susanna Bellavigna, Viktoria Steinhart, and Zack Mennell.

All images from film by P1nk Poodle.