These photos were taken over a period of several weeks at the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California. The Promenade is a three-block stretch of stores and restaurants that is sealed off from traffic, and constitutes one of the premier shopping destinations of west Los Angeles.

As is the case with most shopping centers in the United States, the Promenade is designed to accommodate thousands of shoppers who participate side by side in the act of consumerism, but who have no real need to interact directly with each other. The great irony of these sites of community gathering and recreation is that one can be constantly surrounded by thousands of other people and yet still, in effect, feel isolated and alone.

Strangers Shaking Hands is an intervention into this social configuration. We approached shoppers and asked if they would be willing to introduce themselves to other strangers on the street and allow us to document that interaction. The following illustrates what happens when a new form of exchange is encouraged in the shopping environment--one based on human interaction rather than economic interchange.


Misha Maynerick
Razi Wilson
May 2008

"Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path.”
-The Baha'i Writings