Opening of Exhibition
“(With) These Hands”

On February 25, 2025, the Iwalewahaus in Bayreuth inaugurated the compelling photo essay exhibition “(With) These Hands,” curated by South African researcher and artist Sabelo Mcinziba. The exhibition, running until March 6, 2025, delves into the intimate narratives conveyed through the hands of individuals from diverse walks of life.

Mcinziba’s work focuses on capturing the essence of hands engaged in both domestic and professional settings, often blurring the lines between the two. Each photograph is accompanied by concise essays derived from personal interviews, addressing the question: “What have you done with these hands?” This approach offers viewers a profound insight into the lived experiences and embodied consciousness of the subjects.

The exhibition features hands of various professionals, including construction workers, musicians, teachers, gardeners, security personnel, and chefs. Notably, these hands also belong to grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and siblings, highlighting the multifaceted roles individuals play in their daily lives. By emphasizing hands as focal points, “(With) These Hands” invites audiences to engage creatively and reflect on the universal narratives of human endeavor and connection.

Sabelo Mcinziba, who served as an Artist Fellow at the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence at the University of Bayreuth from January to July 2024, continues to explore the intersections of history and personal narratives through his art. His dedication to portraying the human condition is evident in this latest exhibition, offering a unique perspective on the stories our hands can tell.

Iwalewahaus, a center dedicated to contemporary art from Africa, the African diaspora, Asia, and the Pacific region, is part of the University of Bayreuth. With a collection exceeding 12,000 artworks, it stands as one of Europe’s most significant repositories of contemporary African art. The institution is committed to fostering cultural exchange and understanding through exhibitions, lectures, films, conferences, artist residencies, and workshops.