Jenny Holzer's benches are an integral part of her artistic practice, merging her characteristic use of text with the permanence of stone. Created as part of several series including "Truisms" (1978-1983) and "Living" (1980-1982), these benches were first introduced in the late 1980s. Holzer's move from temporary posters to enduring materials like granite and marble marks a significant evolution in her work, bringing her incisive, thought-provoking messages into a more lasting form (Clark Art).
The benches feature selections from Holzer's various text series, inscribed on Bethel white granite, and are designed to provoke thought and reflection. These statements range from the introspective to the political, touching upon themes of power, identity, and human nature. The Clark Art Institute has described how these benches present "conflicting databases of assertions" that are "morose, inspiring, incisive," challenging viewers to engage with the complexities of human experience (Clark Art).
A notable installation of Holzer's benches by the Public Art Fund showcased six benches made out of black granite and white marble endowed with truisms and various reflective statements. These texts delve into topics such as alienation, duty, power abuse, and the nature of reality, displaying Holzer's signature blend of critique and observation. The benches not only serve as physical places for rest but also as conceptual sites for contemplation, encouraging public interaction with art in everyday spaces (Public Art Fund).
In 1988, a site-specific installation titled "Jenny Holzer: Signs and Benches" at the Brooklyn Museum further explored the interaction between her LED signs and granite benches. This exhibition highlighted the contrast between the dynamic, brightly colored signs and the static, solemn nature of the benches, which bear texts on themes of sex, death, and war. This juxtaposition emphasized the changing technology within our environment and the enduring nature of the messages conveyed by Holzer's art (Brooklyn Museum).
Holzer's benches are not just artistic objects; they are functional pieces that invite viewers to sit, ponder, and engage with the texts engraved upon them. By placing these works in public spaces, Holzer extends her exploration of language and communication, making her provocative insights a part of the physical and communal landscape. These benches exemplify Holzer's commitment to embedding complex ideas within the fabric of everyday life, challenging passersby to consider deeper truths and contradictions inherent in the human condition.