Mexican artist Gabriel Orozco is most recognized for this simple set of self-portraits titled “My Hands Are My Heart” (1991). The images are meant to be shown together, as a diptych. Side by side they tell a story.
With this series Orozco’s story is simple, but potent. He stands naked before us with a tiny lump of clay in his hands. Gently, but firmly, he grasps the earth, holding it to his chest – as if the sound of his beating heart could mold the clay into the shape of its own image.
In the second photo, Orozco opens his hands. The gesture is both revelatory and generous. The color of the clay matches so perfectly the color of his skin – you can almost imagine it filling slowly with blood and building to an actual pulse.
Finally, Orozco places the clay in the kiln to be fired. The clay heart becomes a hardened relic.
“My Hands Are My Heart”, speaks of the humble act of love. Orozco’s love is expressed through his art. His hands are the instruments by which he creates — the sensors by which he experiences the world. The vision of his mind and the intention of his heart are communicated through his hands.
The story told through these images is timeless. Before love we all stand naked and vulnerable. The act of love requires us to make a generous offering, but when we offer our heart we must be prepared to let it burn in the fire. Sometimes we are left with a hardened heart. When our heart grows hard – like the clay after the kiln – it is more likely to crack and break. When we are soft and surrendered, like the raw lump of clay, love can mold us in its image.
Image details: Image 1 and 2: Gabriel Orozco. “My Hands Are My Heart”. 1991. Two silver bleach prints, each: 9 1/8 x 12 1/2.
Image 3 : The clay heart after it was fired in the kiln