24/01/2023
The Atacama Desert in Chile is the driest place in the world, outside of the polar regions. Covering over 105,000 square kms, and stretching 1000km from north to south, this area of Chile is bordered on one side by the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean on the other side.
The Hand of the Desert, or Mano del Desierto, was created by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal. He was asked to create a monument to the vastness of the Atacama Desert. Constructed out of concrete and iron and standing over 11 metres high, the Hand is an impressive sight!
The meaning of the sculpture is unknown.
As per Wikipedia it warns to stop with the environmental sins, so that the earth does not become a desert everywhere while some say it represents human vulnerability and helplessness while others say it’s about mankind’s ability to rise no matter the circumstances. But as with all art, everyone will view it differently and should form their own impressions.
Image source Dale M, billiken
