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The Agreement by Jack Nielsen
Photo CreditCarol M. Highsmith Photography
The Agreement
Photo CreditCarol M. Highsmith Photography

The Agreement

Artist
Year1999
Classification sculpture
Medium mixed media
Credits Commissioned through the Art in Architecture Program
Fine Arts Collection
U.S. General Services Administration
Location
  • The agreement referenced in the title of Nielsen's sculpture is the collective assent of individuals within a society to abide by its laws.  The work has three interrelated elements.  First are the letters of the law, which cascade from a book.  Both the letters and book symbolize the codification of laws, while their movement alludes to the dynamic nature of laws they are subject to interpretation and reinterpretation.  The second element of this work is the shield, a symbol of law enforcement.  Nielsen intends this shield to convey dual, contradictory meanings: a desire for protection from lawlessness offered by the police, and a fear of unrestrained police power.  The final element of "The Agreement" is the pearl, a traditional Chinese symbol of wisdom.