One Hand Washes the Other

One Hand Washes the Other

2000 – video projection in a sink

An oval-shaped projection in a sink shows different sequences of two life-size hands washing each another. The washing procedure seems somewhat clumsy and appears to be more of a struggle. These are the hands of two different women, which perhaps only becomes evident by the viewer upon second glance. The projected hands act out different forms of this daily ritual: the pleasurable lathering up of both hands; the images of fast, hectic, brief washing; aggressive scrubbing with a brush; playing with the water while lost in thought.

The video piece "Eine Hand wäscht die andere" (One Hand Washes the Other) was first on view during the solo exhibition "life size" in the bathroom of the gallery Gabriele Rivet. May 5 - June 10, 2000.

Actresses/hands: Mercedes Barros, Gabriele Rivet