Hands Portraits
1944
In 1944, Lerski returned to "Hand Portraits", originally conceived in 1930. This series depicted hands in action, but as staged activities. Hand, pars pro toto, were thus interpreted as symbols of human creations, as a tool of the creator. As in 'Everyday Faces' series, Lerski classified the hands by occupation, hoping to point to the idealized categories.

In this series Lerski turns the paper into skin: every fold, every muscle and even the bone structure become readable writing. This revelatory shaping of the surface is only possible through light art.
In 1944, Lerski returned to "Hand Portraits", originally conceived in 1930. This series depicted hands in action, but as staged activities. Hand, pars pro toto, were thus interpreted as symbols of human creations, as a tool of the creator. As in 'Everyday Faces' series, Lerski classified the hands by occupation, hoping to point to the idealized categories.

In this series Lerski turns the paper into skin: every fold, every muscle and even the bone structure become readable writing. This revelatory shaping of the surface is only possible through light art.
"It's all in the skin, it only depends on where the light falls", said Lerski.
Hands of a Female Dancer II, 1944
Vintage gelatin silver print, 29.8 x 23.8 cm | Titled and annotated on verso
Hands of an Oboe Player, ca. 1944
Vintage gelatin silver print, 29.7 x 23.8 cm | Signed on recto and titled, stamped and annotated on verso
Hands of a Filmographer. Helmar Lerski, 1944
Vintage gelatin silver print, 29.2 x 24.1 cm | Titled, stamped and annotated on verso
Hands of a Farmhand, 1944
Vintage gelatin silver print, 29.8 x 23.5 cm | Titled, stamped and annotated on verso
Hand of a Gardener, ca. 1944
Vintage gelatin silver print, 29.2 x 23.5 cm | Signed on recto and titled, stamped and annotated on verso
Hands of a Cellist, 1944
Vintage gelatin silver print, 24.4 x 19.4 cm | Titled, stamped and annotated on verso
Hands of an Architect, 1944
Vintage gelatin silver print, 19.7 x 28.9 cm | Titled, stamped and annotated on verso