Human Touch

The book explores the fundamental role of touch in human experience, offering new ways of looking at anatomy, skin, the brain, hand, creativity, desire, possession, ideology, reverence, and iconoclasm. It features works of art from four thousand years and across the globe, including drawings, paintings, prints, and sculpture by Raphael, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Carracci, Hogarth, Turner, Rodin, Degas, and Kollwitz, as well as contemporary artists Judy Chicago, Frank Auerbach, Richard Long, the Chapman Brothers, and Richard Rawlins. The events of 2020 have made us newly alive to the preciousness and dangers of touch, making this exploration particularly timely and resonant.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2021
Publisher: Paul Holberton Publishing

Our first sense is touch, which is essential to our lives. We use it to create art, claim ownership of things and people we love, express our faith, belief, and anger, and leave our mark on the world. Through touch, we connect with others and find our place in the world.

This book delves into the profound role of touch in human experience, drawing on works of art from across four thousand years and from various parts of the globe. In a series of lavishly illustrated essays, the authors explore various aspects of touch, including anatomy and skin, the relationship between the brain, hand, and creativity, touch, desire, and possession, ideological touch, reverence, and iconoclasm.

The book also features a final section that collects a range of reflections on touch, from historical and contemporary perspectives. The objects featured range from anonymous ancient Egyptian limestone sculptures to medieval manuscripts and panel paintings, devotional and spiritual objects from different parts of the world, love tokens and fede rings, and drawings, paintings, prints, and sculptures by renowned artists such as Raphael, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Carracci, Hogarth, Turner, Rodin, Degas, and Kollwitz.

The events of 2020 have brought to the forefront the preciousness and the dangers of touch, making this exploration of our most fundamental sense particularly timely and resonant. Touch is a powerful tool that can bring joy, comfort, and connection, but it can also be harmful if not handled properly. This book offers a valuable insight into the complex and multifaceted nature of touch and its significance in our lives.

Weight: 1140g
Dimension: 247 x 286 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913645052