Hand Signs is an ongoing sculptural project depicting hand signals used by North American street gangs and molded from the artist’s own hands into candles. These candles may be burned, obscuring their intention by burning down individual fingers or other imagery, or they may be left intact. They are a part of a larger series by Phil America comprised of functional art objects for the home. This creation of candles, traditionally seen as feminine items, but formed into highly masculine gestures, explores the duality of gendered and racialized objects. Further, it is an exploration of a subtle but important aspect of gang culture, a world which is often overlooked and misunderstood.