Existing installation -
Freezing in the intensely cold and breezy winter on your lonesome is viewed as normal, as individuals have braved the cold weather for years in their hooded jackets, beanies and scarves. However, Moments of Warmth provides users with warmth through the process of holding a possible stranger’s hand in a bus shelter. This concept, of holding a stranger’s hand to access warmth, is made to seem extraordinary, as it is viewed as bizarre to interact with a stranger in a public space nowadays. The main value implied is that interacting with a stranger in public can be simple and rewarding, especially when working together towards a common goal; to gain warmth.
This installation can be perceived as positive as it encourages the interaction between strangers, however it can also be observed as negative as there are many individuals who genuinely feel uncomfortable having to interact with other people in public situations. If anxious individuals feel forced to interact, because of the unreasonable temperatures, this can have a negative effect on their mental health and wellbeing.
In this situation, the general public have agency, as for the most part they are comfortable with interacting with strangers to gain heat from the bus shelter. However, individuals with social anxiety are victimised as they either have to interact with a stranger against their own will, or freeze.
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