Touch, 1970 consists of 5 images documenting a performance called Chakras, which has been performed in several cities, it’s first version consisted of 16 two-foot diameter wooden discs painted bright red that floated on the water of St. Katherine docks. His intention was to transform the space into a dynamic artwork that would be invariably changed by the water currents, winds, and other elements of nature until it was eventually swept into the river Thames and released into the infinity of the ocean. The work echoes an idea that consistently runs through Araeen’s work- that the geometric shape and form is a possible vector of order and social balance. Araeen encouraged the audience to be active participants in this work, which was a crucial part of this performance.
The title of this work further emphasises the importance of community and the artists intention to activate social consciousness through his work. ‘Touch’ is a documentation of the most important component of the Chakras series, The human component.