Between Hands and Metal

About

Taking a line from Walter Benjamin as its starting point, Between Hands and Metal explores the theoretical notion of 'contact' as a push and pull between estrangement and connection. The exhibition offers a reflective inquiry into the multifaceted nature of contact, recognising both its destructive legacies as a form of violence, as well as its potential for embodied resistance. By engaging with specific layered spatial contexts, the exhibition invites viewers to contemplate the enduring impact of pivotal moments of encounter, considering how they continue to shape historical narratives.

Through their diverse artistic practices, the artists in Between Hands and Metal highlight how modes of contact - both historical and contemporary - shape our understanding of cultural ownership, exchange, and progress. By reflecting on these varied dimensions, the artists pose important questions about the enduring impact of contact on our shared histories and the ongoing dialogues around colonialism and identity, urging us to confront the legacies of our interconnected past.