Encounterism: The Neglected Joys of Being In Person

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Why auditoriums, theatres, cinemas (and the act of being-in-person) goes beyond the spatial and visual; and can even be chemical – ‘literally breathing each other in’. As human-beings with over 14 unique senses, just remember that Zoom/Teams only caters to two of those senses. These days we may be more accurately described digital flaneurs, disconnected from our bodies without conscious thought.

Field is also about to turn 40 years old, and the reason that age is important, is that he is of the last generation that grew up in the pre-internet age of everything, all at once. I am particularly fond of the postscript which highlights ways to share this book with others; bringing them into the conversation. It is worth declaring that I had a single ‘in person’ encounter with Field in April 2022, which pretty much changed my life. We learned how to build trust, and that invited us to be daring in what we said and what we revealed about ourselves.A playful, analytical, informed, and poetic exploration of the delight and transformative power of real-life encounters. It is therefore no surprise that the author, Andy Field, is performance artist that specialises in human interaction.

A portrait that is so joyous and insightful that I couldn't help but see my own everyday interactions in a whole new light. However I found myself skimming toward the end of each section as it felt like a repeat of what he just said, like he was trying to reach a certain word count. Andy Field – along with his partner Beckie Darlington – have an international programme of projects which is really helping forge the next generation of architects, planners, urban designers and flaneurs, by asking them what they want from their cities. Field will draw upon his expertise in live performance that uses everyday people from around the world, to consider the choreography of each of these encounters and what they feel like, inviting readers to consider their interactions in the real world with the same precision and detail as carefully managed artistic encounters.The light touch of a hairdresser's hands on one's scalp, the euphoric energy of a nightclub, huddling with strangers under a shelter in the rain, a spontaneous snowball fight in the street, a daily interaction with a homeless man--such mundane connections, when we closely inhabit the same space, and touch or are touched by others, were nearly lost to "social distancing. This book has 9 different story's within using everyday situations, some might not be as everyday depending on who you are and where you live.

The RA is a unique institution, an independent charity with a mission to be a clear, strong voice for art and artists, where art is made, exhibited and debated. As a 40 year old, I had to work with 10 year olds to help them visualise what their (and my) home town would look like in 30 years time.

Each essay is carefully crafted, and full of questions that lead the reader onto further contemplation.