The Space Between Held Hands
32 Bronze hand casts, 2017, 32 Bronze hand casts, steel, aluminum, 20” x 105” 6” 2017
An otherwise invisible space, two hands united represents a haven of refuge and a place of solace. Created in partnership with the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia, The Space Between Held Hands was created using the hands of our newest Canadians who arrived in 2016 through the Syrian Resettlement Program. Working with these participants, the clasped hands of family members were cast from life, giving form to the negative space between their palms. Visible are the lines, ridges, and fingerprints unique to each participant. Yet these marks are become familiar and recognizable by all. These hand casts give form to the distance, proximity, and connectivity between these families. This work is social in its process, encouraging engagement and community connection. Grouped by family, casts are arranged right to left in reference to the Arabic language and in acknowledgement of the universal language of art.
Presented at Canadian Immigration Museum at Pier 21, Halifax, Nova Scotia (2017)
and CIRCA Art Actual as a Part of the National Biennale of Contemporary Sculpture (2022)
Thanks to
Melissa King, Nada Beydoun, Aseel Ali and Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia for their ethusiasm and support of this project
Much gratitude to all participating families for lending me their hands and sharing their warmth.
Ozge Aytekins, Anna Sprague, and Luke Smith and Mohammad Ashour for project assistance and translation.
Photography Credits:
Casting photography credit and Canadian Immigration Museum at Pier 21 exhibition documentation thanks to Katie Nakaska
CIRCA Art Actual exhibition documentation thanks to Jean-Michael Seminaro