Still from 'Hands'

Pat Larter's 'Hands' performance was performed in Wellington, New Zealand, on 3 April 1977. The Larters noted that this performance was 'for the 'Hands' show in Wellington. It is possible that this was a satellite performance inspired by Luit Bieringa's exhibition 'A Show of Hands', which opened at the Manawatu Art Gallery in 1977. Reviews noted that 'Up in the mezzanine gallery the more vanguard art was shown: a Bruce Barber video tape Hand Game for Artists, Politicians and Solipsists, plus photo pieces, mail art and other contemporary works. In the lecture/film room, Brian McNeill's specially commissioned synchronised tape and slide presentation was shown to curious and aghast audiences. No doubt the title Hand Erotic Moves Divine lured many people to see a technically superb work. Films related to hands also screened, making the entire Show of Hands an exhausting journey through many different approaches and attitudes to art.'