Vulnerability: The Better Choice

Abstract

Meaningful human connection is predicated on sharing or exposing vulnerability to one another to establish trust. In this paper, I explore the relationship between vulnerability and meaningful human connection, via sources such as Brene Brown, Alphonso Lingis, Maurice Merleau-Ponty and John Berger. I also explore the relationship that sensitivity and tenderness, both qualities of and tools for approaching vulnerability, have to connection and touch. I explore other forms of touch - the touch of sight and the touch of words. Then, I illustrate these themes through both the work of other artists, as well as my own, including my master’s thesis exhibitions, The Better Choice and I Love You Are You Okay, 2017.