7 Photographs, C-Print, 75 x 50 cm, 2014

“Staring at the Sun Through My Hands” is a photographic series by Roland Wegerer that transforms a simple childhood gesture into a profound artistic exploration. The series consists of seven large-format C-Prints, each capturing the act of looking directly at the sun through a makeshift “cave” formed by the artist’s hands. This playful yet contemplative action becomes both a personal filter and a symbolic lens, inviting viewers to reconsider the boundaries between perception, protection, and exposure.

The resulting photographs are rich in contrast and symbolism. The interplay of light and shadow, the organic shapes of the hands, and the radiant energy of the sun all converge to create images that are both iconic and intimate. The hands become a sculptural element—an example of Wegerer’s concept of expanded sculpture, where the boundaries between body, object, and environment dissolve. The series also resonates with his broader interest in performance art, as the act of building a “cave” with one’s hands is both a physical gesture and a performative intervention in the landscape.

Wegerer’s work often encourages participation and experimentation, and this series is no exception. The artist includes a playful hint for viewers:
“You can try this too! Build a little cave with your hands. Use this ‘filter’ to stare directly into the sun. Take care of leaks!”
This invitation not only demystifies the artistic process but also blurs the line between artist and audience, turning a personal action into a shared experience.

Ultimately, this series invites viewers to pause, play, and reflect—to find new perspectives in the most ordinary of moments, and to embrace the intersection of light, body, and imagination that lies at the heart of contemporary media art.