In a world without mirrors
The concept for this project emerged after years of painting faces. Through self-reflection, meditation, and the process of painting, I realized that we are more than our physical form—or even our face. This led me to question identity and redefine portraiture. ”In a world without mirrors, our hands would be our portrait.”
With this new perspective, I began using hands as a way to express humanity in all its forms. This series has led to commissions from various institutions. However, I am yet to show my own complete body of work on this growing collection.
Hands of Freedom - 2021
Here’s a shortenHands of Freedom
A city-wide collaboration celebrating the Centenary of the University of Leicester
Hands of Freedom is a temporary art exhibition by award-winning artist Vishal Joshi, celebrating Leicester's centenary and its diverse communities. Over 1,000 ‘hand portraits’ from Leicestershire residents inspire a series of vibrant artworks and installations that reflect freedom, liberty, and peace.
Hands and gestures, universal symbols of emotion and expression, are at the heart of this project. Joshi’s large hand murals at Leicester Museum and Art Gallery use a unique layering technique to combine realism and abstraction, offering playful and thought-provoking visuals. Some gestures, like the ‘peace’ sign or ‘prayer hands,’ are widely recognized, while others invite deeper reflection.
In addition, four large hand sculptures—crafted from the 1,000 portraits—are overpainted by Joshi and installed at Leicester Cathedral and the University of Leicester. The project not only marks the University’s 100th anniversary but also celebrates the unique, diverse identities of Leicester’s people.
Visit Hands of Freedom at Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, Leicester Cathedral, and the University of Leicester’s Attenborough Building.
Collaborators
University of Leicester
Leicester Museum and Gallery
Leicester Cathedral
Year
2021
