The work is located in the heart of the Panamericana, 75 km from Antofagasta […]
From afar you can’t help but see that hand stuck in the desert and its giant fingers pointing towards the sky.
Sculpture Desert Hand (Hand of the Desert(in Spanish) is a work by the Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal, 83 years old, located 300 meters from the Panamericana, 75 kilometers south of the city of Antofagasta, in northern Chile.
Inaugurated in March 1992, inspired by the artist’s trip to Easter Island, this piece with a steel structure and covered in stucco is 11 meters high.
Although he is the author of works that provoke socio-political and spiritual reflection, Irarrázabal has gone so far as to affirm that that open left hand is a reunion with the primitive world, “a symbol linked to nature”.
However, it is not uncommon to find different interpretations of the work, even political ones.
Being in an isolated area and without any control, the work is often damaged even by some visitors and constantly needs repairs, such as the last one carried out in 2023.
Led by PROA (Corporación Pro Antofagasta), the work involved the voluntary help of a cement company in Talcahuano, in the Bío Bío region, to eliminate human interventions such as scribbling and loosening of material.
Other jobs
The artist is also known for preferring his works to be exhibited outside of museums, in open-air spaces so that they can be viewed freely, just like his other works abroad (yes, this is political).
In Uruguay, for example, Irarrázabal has a similar sculpture, immense and growing from the sand.
A Hand from Punta del Este (1982) is located in Praia Brava and is one of the most famous symbols of this location in the south of the country.
Another giant hand of the artist is in Madrid, the capital of Spain.
Although it dates back to 1987, the work received a definitive address only in November 1994 and is currently one of the flagships of the Las Trail Sculptures, artistic path in the Juan Carlos I Park.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
