We touch the world, and by touching, we distance ourselves from our surroundings, or create relationships of proximity and intimacy. Increasingly, however, our touch is mediated by technologies that change the way we experience ourselves and others. Begüm Erciyas explores the faculty of touch by focusing on the hands.
In Hands Made, the visitors’ own hands take center stage. Separated from the rest of the body, yet in intimate proximity to each other, they will be the focal point of a speculation on the past and future of hands, of handiwork, and the sense of touch. What have these hands been busy with and what will they do in the future? Who or what will they touch?
Hands Made invites us to rethink our relation to our hands; to imagine their transformation throughout history and their role in a society to come.
Reviews
“She subtly makes you aware of how fundamental hands are in experiencing reality, despite the fact that we rarely realize it. That is remarkable. ‘Hands made’ makes you acutely aware that our hands make us who we are. We are indeed ‘Hands made.’” Pieter T’Jonck wrote a glowing review about Hands Made for Pzazz. Read the whole review (in Dutch) here.
Gina Miroula wrote a review for Theaterkrant. “Erciyas’ theatrical experience is one for spectators who dare. Even if you don’t see your partner in crime, touching each other is intimate. Perhaps even more intimate when you can’t look ‘the other’ in the eye.” Read the entire review (in Dutch) here: “THROUGH TOUCH, THE IMAGINATION IS GIVEN FREE REIN”.
In the Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant: “Turkish performance artist Begüm Erciyas, artist in residence at art center De Singel in Antwerp, needs little to make the spectator in Hands Made feel great sensations. The ultimate in intimacy takes place on a small table during Spring.”
