Hands II 1973

Editor: Henry Moore's "Hands II," created in 1973, is a study in graphite and charcoal. It's so stark; the dramatic chiaroscuro really emphasizes the texture and weight of the hands. What can you tell me about this work? Curator: I see this piece as deeply rooted in the physicality of art production. The cross-hatching and varied pressure used with the graphite and charcoal—these are the traces of Moore's own hand laboring to depict hands. This shifts our focus. It’s not just about representation; it's about the means of representation. How does focusing on the materiality of the drawing, the physical effort involved, alter your understanding of the artwork? Editor: It makes me think about Moore's process more than the final image, that each stroke has intention behind it, and maybe even struggle. Curator: Exactly! The stark contrast highlights not just form but the inherent qualities of the materials themselves. Charcoal allows for a richness of blacks, while graphite offers subtlety in tone. These materials were cheap, common... Moore elevates these common tools. Think about how this piece contrasts with, say, oil painting of the time. Is Moore challenging those established hierarchies? Editor: So, by choosing humble materials and focusing on labor, he's democratizing art, shifting its focus away from precious materials. Curator: Precisely! And consider the subject: hands. These are the instruments of labor, creation, and craft. Are these the hands of an artist, perhaps his own? By drawing hands, Moore reflects upon his own artistic practice, and perhaps even invites the viewer to reflect on the labor involved in appreciating art. What do you make of that? Editor: It completely changes my perspective! I initially saw a simple study of form, but now I understand it as a statement about the value of labor and the materiality of art making. Thank you. Curator: Indeed. Seeing the work as the product of specific choices rooted in materiality adds layers of meaning to an image that initially seemed straightforward. It reveals a complex interplay of artistic intent, social context, and material reality.