Intimate Distances : an artwork made on opposite sides of the world

Abstract

Intimate Distances is an art project created in two parts – 6 months and 20,000 km apart. As a creative research project, it was conceived as a way to physically and conceptually explore distance through the intimate gesture of touch. It sought to visually communicate the spatial, temporal and embodied experiences of being on opposite sides of the world through the humble process of frottage. Grand ideas were intended to be galvanised by even grander distances. However, as this article recounts, the 12-month project took unexpected turns, which were generated by a series of failures and finally resulted in an embracing of uncertainty. Rather than following the proposed script, my tacit knowledge led the project in unforeseen ways that were ultimately more productive than expected. Through this article, which itself is a form of enacting an ephemeral experience, I outline how Intimate Distances unfolded and how non-representational theory and performative research entwine in this creative project.