Ever since Morten Viskum started painting with severed hands almost twenty years ago, this has become one of the most well-known parts of his oeuvre. As each hand represents a different concept, Viskum has created a diverse set of visual expressions through performing with each hand. They all hold individual usage and manners of painting, and the series of works created are ascribed titles referring to which hand Viskum applied, e.g. The Female Hand and The Old Hand. However, in those cases little is revealed concerning the person from which he obtained the hand, apart from a short descriptive title noting features such as colour, gender or age. The deaths that have had to occur in order for Viskum to acquire these hands are not treated in themselves, causing the hands to some extent being distanced from the actual act of dying.
This changed with the seventh hand, which was acquired in 2011, as Viskum has disclosed that it belonged to a young boy who committed suicide. The proclaiming title of R.I.P. is not descriptive like the others, but reflects the final farewell given to a deceased by those who are left behind. As underscored by this title, Viskum addresses the death and mourning over the young boy. The hand is used to paint on raw canvases, covering the surface in quick and elusive strokes going in multiple directions. The outcome of the performances are paintings which appear light, yet expressive, and somehow communicating the distressed narrative of the hand.
Marie Loechen
