One of the most iconic works of artist Pedro Friedeberg is a hand that is simultaneously a chair and a sculpture. Among other places, it can be found atop a building in La Condesa district in Mexico City, as well as in New York and New Orleans. The work has been replicated hundreds of times.

 

The artist donated a monumental version of the sculpture to San Miguel de Allende, and it was placed on the steps of El Chorro. The artist said that he donated the work because of his connection with the city. Friedeberg lived here during two periods: the first was in 1950, when Siqueiros was painting at Bellas Artes; he returned in 1980 and stayed until 2000. Subsequently, he returned to Mexico City. 

 

Although the size of the original sculpture makes it serviceable as a chair, the artist said that the one installed in El Chorro is not interactive, because only a giant could sit on it. He recommended not applying a lot of graffiti to it.

 

The donation process of the sculpture began six months ago, and the piece was transported here from Friedeberg’s workshop in Cuernavaca. Director of Culture and Traditions, Paulina Cadena, said that the sculpture will remain at the present location. The artist and interim-mayor Gonzalo González were present at the unveiling.