Allentown Benches: Selections from Truisms & Survival Stories

Year1995

Classification architectural arts

Medium prairie green granite

Dimensionseach: 17 in., 5 ft., 18 in. (43.2 x 152.4 x 45.7 cm)

Credits Commissioned through the Art in Architecture Program
Fine Arts Collection
U.S. General Services Administration

Holzer has created 14 benches of "prairie green" granite, which correspond to the interior of building. Each bench is 5' long, 4" thick and is approximately 18" off the ground. Bolted into place, 2 benches will be in the recessed spaces on either side of the entrance lobby. 4 benches will be on the third floor near the courtroom lobby and 8 benches will grace the 2 courtrooms on the fourth floor, located outside the courtroom lobbies.

Each bench will be incised with texts from her 1977-79 Truism and Survival Series. Both thought provoking and meditative, the inscriptions offer a sampling of opinions, showing competing sentiments and conflicting truths. Holzer believes that these texts are well-suited to the courthouse because, like people who come before a judge, they present ideas which the speaker believes to be truth. Readers must interpret these "truths" and draw their own conclusions. Holzer's texts highlight contradictory beliefs and topics that may polarize people, while managing to stay impartial. They invite reflection and discourse, both private and shared. The benches address our issues and add meaning to the public spacs of the courthouse.