杉野信也

Shin Sugino

"Hands" have carried diverse meanings across borders and eras, shaped by spirituality, culture, and context. Though they are part of the body, hands are not merely organs. The art historian Henri Focillon, in Eloge de la main (In Praise of the Hand), described them as "the creative agents that mediate between the mind and the world." Thoughts and emotions first touch the world and take form through the hands. In this sense, hands can be seen as the place where the spirit becomes visible.

In Noh and Kabuki theater, the gestures of the hands are emphasized because they are considered the "boundary where the heart touches the world." In Noh in particular, where facial expressions are concealed by masks and movement is highly restrained, the angle and height of the hands play a crucial role in expressing emotion. A hand placed quietly at the chest conveys sorrow or introspection; a gently raised fan suggests prayer or recollection; a gesture of hiding the face with a sleeve expresses tears or grief. Within these subtle movements, the expansiveness of the inner heart is
reflected.

This work brings together the motif of "hands" from various series the artist has photographed over more than 50 years around the world. The phrase "pins and needles" refers to a tingling sensation—one that sharpens perception while also containing a sense of uncertainty. Hands can touch, confirm, and create, but they are also something extended toward others. A handshake signifies a promise; an outstretched palm offers salvation; overlapping fingertips silently convey empathy. When both hands are gently brought together, it becomes a gesture of prayer. At times, hands may connect with others and the world more deeply than words ever can.

Nao Noguchi, Gallery Tosei