Low Piece (Bench)

Jane Wooster Scott, 1985

MEDIUMHimalayan blue granite
DIMENSIONS43.2 × 121.9 × 45.7 cm (17 × 48 × 18 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago

Stop and observe this granite bench, not just as a place to sit, but as a sculpture. Its simple form and luminous material invite you to consider the beauty and permanence of natural stone in a gallery setting.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

This solid bench, carved from Himalayan blue granite, invites a moment of pause. Its low profile and simple, rectangular form emphasize the material itself, a stone known for its subtle variations in color and texture. The cool, polished surface reflects ambient light, highlighting the natural speckles of black, gray, and a faint, almost ethereal blue within the stone. Although it functions as a piece of seating, its substantial weight and monumental presence suggest something more than mere utility. The work transforms a common object into a sculptural statement, quietly asserting its place in the gallery space. It was created in 1985, a period when artists often explored the boundaries between art and everyday objects, challenging traditional notions of sculpture.

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What to Notice

1

The subtle blue-gray hue of the granite, giving the piece its name.

2

The polished surface, reflecting light and revealing natural patterns in the stone.

3

The clean, minimalist lines of the bench, emphasizing its material.

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Audio Deep Dive

Stop and observe this granite bench, not just as a place to sit, but as a sculpture. Its simple form and luminous material invite you to consider the beauty an…

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THE ARTIST
Jane Wooster Scott 1920 · United States

Jane Wooster Scott, an American painter, was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most reproduced artist in America.

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