Vague Platitudes challenges the way we think about communication, symbolized through a subtle yet powerful image—a human and an alien shaking heads at the edge of a forest. This twist on the familiar handshake—an act typically associated with agreement or mutual respect—introduces a sense of disconnection or misunderstanding instead of unity. It asks us to consider how often we perform surface-level gestures that appear meaningful but lack true substance or connection.
It considers the overuse of empty, formulaic expressions in everyday communication. We encounter them often—those words or phrases that are said out of habit or politeness, yet fail to convey any real emotion or understanding. While they create the illusion of connection, their impact is shallow, leaving the core of the conversation untouched.
In this piece, the meeting of the human and alien represents more than just a chance encounter between two vastly different beings; it symbolizes the failure of communication when we rely on these vague gestures. The edge of the forest, a boundary between the known and the unknown, becomes the setting for this interaction. Instead of true engagement, the exchange is reduced to a mechanical act—a shaking of heads that does not build a bridge but reinforces the divide.
We can interpret this scene as a reflection on the barriers we face in trying to truly understand one another. Language, culture, and experiences all shape the way we communicate, but when we rely on empty platitudes or surface-level gestures, we lose the opportunity for deeper connection. The human and the alien are not just figures—they are metaphors for how easily we can drift into meaningless exchanges, even when we stand on the threshold of something transformative.
The power of this piece lies in its ability to evoke these questions. It invites viewers to consider the moments when they, too, may have relied on routine gestures instead of seeking true understanding. In doing so, the piece calls for a shift—from superficial interactions to meaningful dialogue, from shallow engagement to authentic connection.