# Reconciliation Artwork The Pre-Handshake Device Provokes 'Uncomfortable Conversations' By Meghan Young | Published 2010-05-20 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pre-handshake-device References: [todayandtomorrow.net](http://www.todayandtomorrow.net/2010/05/18/pre-handshake-handshake-device/) & [dominicwilcox](http://dominicwilcox.com/) Considering all the strife the world has suffered due to unfortunate miscommunications and misunderstandings, the Pre-Handshake Device hopes to bridge the gaps that continue to tear our species apart. Granted, it is simply an [art installation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eye-of-the-future), yet it promotes and encourages discussions about such problems. Designed by Dominic Wilcox, the Pre-Handshake Device is part of the 'Uncomfortable Conversations' [exhibition](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meet-me-here) during the New York Design Week 2010. The fact that reconciliation may never be reached due to such discomfort, this installation shows that there can be a happy medium, one that starts with tradition and ends with the possibility of friendship. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 35% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Art as Communication:** Art installations like the Pre-Handshake Device are sparking uncomfortable conversations to bridge communication gaps. - **Promoting Dialogue:** The Pre-Handshake Device encourages discussions about miscommunications and misunderstandings in order to find common ground. - **Combining Tradition and Innovation:** The art installation explores the intersection of traditional gestures like handshakes and innovative approaches to fostering friendship and understanding. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art Exhibitions:** The 'Uncomfortable Conversations' exhibition during New York Design Week creates a platform for thought-provoking artworks promoting communication. - **Design:** Designers like Dominic Wilcox are using their creativity to address and challenge societal issues through installations like the Pre-Handshake Device. - **Interpersonal Communication:** The art installation invites individuals and organizations focused on improving communication and dialogue to explore new approaches to reconciliation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Thought-Provoking Interactive Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antibodies-installation.md) - [Human Connection-Themed Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/satellite-exhibition.md) - [Large-Scale Airport Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airport-installations.md) - [Perception-Challenging Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/becoming-familiar.md) - [Health Object Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/out-of-orifice.md) - [Reflective Material Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mirroring-dialogue.md) - [Racism-Reflecting Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reflection-in-numbers.md) - [Artful Reflective Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-space-in-between.md) - [Unconventional Awkwardly Seated Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uncomfortable-table.md)