We are not gonna tell you anything new by saying that the pandemic has changed not only our way of living but also the means by which we interact with one another. Today, like never before, we are prone to keeping our distance from each other. It seems that we have to relearn how to be around people again. While it’s not a big struggle for some, others might find it quite challenging.
Richard Renaldi is a photographer from New York, USA who came up with the idea to create a photo series called “Touching strangers”. The artist started this project in 2007 and completed it in 2013, way before all the chaos caused by Covid broke loose. The photographs depict complete strangers physically interacting while posing together. The portraits are very affectionate and intimate, encouraging us to reflect on the distance and boundaries we set for one another, especially in times like this.
More info: renaldi.com | Instagram | twitter.com | flickr.com
#1 Jesse And Michael, 2013, NY
Image credits: renaldi.com
Richard Renaldi was born in Chicago, USA in 1968. He received a Bachelor’s degree in photography from New York University in 1990. His works have been exhibited in many galleries around the world, like Third Floor Gallery, Cardiff, Wales (2012), Aperture Gallery, New York, NY (2014), Loyola University Museum of Art, Chicago, IL (2015) and more.
#2 Donna And Donna, 2011, Co
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#3 Shalom And Jeff, 2013, NY
Image credits: renaldi.com
Besides “Touching Strangers”, the photographer has released many other projects such as “Billions Served“, “I Want Your Love“, “Manhattan Sunday“, “Fall River Boys“, “Midnight Lobbies“, “See America by Bus” and more.
#4 Reiko And Brian, 2013, NY
Image credits: renaldi.com
#5 Janaki And Dominic, 2013, Pa
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In one of his interviews, Richard mentioned that he did all his casting right there on the street without setting up the portraits beforehand. Nothing was prearranged. This way he had less control over the process.
The photographer was looking for a connection. It would take him from 10 minutes to 5 hours to take a perfect shot.
#6 Soukhet And Dawn, 2012, Hi
Image credits: renaldi.com
#7 Atiljan And Tiffany, 2011, NY
Image credits: renaldi.com
The artist wanted to take affectionate pictures showing that these people are strangers but they could also be good friends. However, sometimes it was challenging to find someone eager to participate in a photoshoot. It takes courage to show intimate moments in front of a camera, even more so when one has to do that with a stranger!
What do you think, dear pandas? Would you be brave enough to get super close to a person you’re seeing for the first time in your life?
#8 Ekeabong And Andrew, 2013, Ca
Image credits: renaldi.com
#9 Michael And Jared, 2011, NY
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#10 Elaine And Arly, 2012, NY
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#11 Williamn And Felice, 2008, NY
Image credits: renaldi.com
#12 Angie, Steve, Edward, And Maria, 2012, Ca
Image credits: renaldi.com
#13 Deborah And Joseph, 2011, NY
Image credits: renaldi.com
#14 Rayqa And Annalee, 2012, Ca
Image credits: renaldi.com
#15 Mila And Jm, 2013, NY
Image credits: renaldi.com
#16 Kim And Yoshie, 2007, Ca
Image credits: renaldi.com
#17 Aminah And Erica, 2013, Il
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#18 Junior And Petey, 2012, Ma
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#19 Leasia And Rebecca, 2013, NY
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#20 Ashleigh And Tony, 2012, La
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#21 Hunter, Margaret, And Abigail, 2013, NY
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#22 Nathan And Robyn, 2012, Ma
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#23 Perry And Mark, 2012, Nv
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#24 Jacob And Lola, 2012, Ca
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#25 Nicholas And Caleb, 2013, Pa
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#26 Michal And Sarah, 2011, NY
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#27 Hewitt And Ryan, 2012, La
Image credits: renaldi.com
#28 Michael And Kimberly, 2011, NY
Image credits: renaldi.com
#29 Orville, Rebecca, And Joyce, 2012, La
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#30 Vincent And Charles, 2012, Ca
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#31 Gerry And Gian Michael, 2011, Fl
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#32 Tiana Andgunnar, 2013, Il
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#33 Josette And Juan, 2012, Nv
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#34 Simon And Kiya, 2012, NY
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#35 Tom, Alaina, And Charlie, 2012, Ca
Image credits: renaldi.com
#36 Keebs And Beth, 2012, Nv
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#37 Claudio And David, 2011, NY
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#38 Tari, Shawn, And Summer, 2012, Ca
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#39 Bruce And Naom, 2011, NY
Image credits: renaldi.com
#40 Alex And Maria, 2013, Dc
Image credits: renaldi.com
Source: boredpanda.com