A Table Laid with Thought

Green Table-Holzer

Jenny Holzer is an internationally renowned artist whose opinions and truths are the foundation, and form, of her controversial work. Text is her primary means of artistic expression. Her truisms have been on posters, scrolling LED screens, projected onto buildings, and installed in various museums around the world. UCSD commissioned Holzer to construct a sculpture for the La Jolla campus as part of the Stuart Collection. The product of this commission is entitled “Green Table” and resides in the Muir College Quad.

This oversized granite table is borderline monumental. Besides it’s size, the entire surface is carved with text. True to Holzer’s repertoire, some of it is humorous observations and commentary, while others are political criticisms. This table, which provides space for students and faculty to sit, eat, study, and congregate also has several conversation starters spread out before them.

Some of the text reads:

“Expiring for love is beautiful but stupid”

“Change is valuable when the oppressed become tyrants”

“Abuse of power comes as no surprise”

Longer stretches of text cover the top of the dark grey table. These messages are in a sense Holzer’s way of providing “food for thought,” presented at a table in a place of learning, UCSD. It is an interesting way of expressing ideas, inspiring discussion, and encouraging thought outside the classroom or laboratory. 

To experience more local, thought provoking, contemporary and lowbrow art, visit Thumbprint Gallery, on Kline Street in La Jolla. The gallery is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Source: http://stuartcollection.ucsd.edu/artists/holzer.shtml