Hands of Compassion emerged as an exploration of the role hands play in care, particularly in the moments leading up to and following a death. Inspired by Eve Arnold’s ability to capture subjects with empathy and authenticity, combined with Tim Booth’s A Show of Hands, the idea that hands serve not just as tools, but as storytellers - marked by experience, labour, and love.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael Rosen’s poignant reflections on care and survival further influenced Rian’s approach. Hands of Compassion focuses on those who provide comfort, dignity, and connection in life’s most fragile moments. The hands of caregivers, nurses, and loved ones bear witness to tenderness, loss, and remembrance. These images honor the quiet, often unseen gestures of care - holding, supporting, and letting go - each telling a story of humanity, resilience, and farewell.