In this case we're building a corner to stretch a fence and hang a gate. It had a real purpose in the ranch here. I needed to do this. But at the same time, it made a beautiful structure.

Purchased in a 50–50 deal by François Pinault and LACMA. For Beginners (all the combinations of the thumb and fingers) (2010) – video depicting Nauman’s hands enacting all the possible combinations of the four fingers and thumb – 31 positions in all – accompanied by his verbal enumeration of each finger combination.

Nauman lives near Galisteo New Mexico. Bruce Nauman (born December 6 1941) is a contemporary American artist.