Richard Renaldi
Despite being packed cheek-to-jowel in many cities, most Westerns have a strong aversion to being touched by strangers. Renaldi’s book captures numerous “couples” touching one another. All are strangers, having met just a moment before. The facial expressions and body language vary differently in every one. Some images could easily be of sisters, friends or long-time couples based on the ease with which they lean into each other. Others are very obviously tense and uncomfortable – most often two men. Yet, despite their discomfort, these strangers allowed themselves to be photographer and immortalized holding hands or hugging a complete stranger. Odd and deeply compelling.