Low Piece (Bench) by Jane Wooster Scott

Low Piece (Bench)

Jane Wooster Scott · 1985

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“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.”

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.

DETAILS
Artist
Jane Wooster Scott
Date
1985
Medium
Himalayan blue granite
Location
Art Institute of Chicago
Dimensions
43.2 × 121.9 × 45.7 cm (17 × 48 × 18 in.)
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What to Notice

Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Low Piece (Bench)
01

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

02

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

03

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

04

The sheer density and weight suggested by its solid form.

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.

Read Scott’s full story
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