Words in Public Spaces

Jenny Holzer is an American conceptual artists that uses words and phrases as a medium with which to express ideas and slogans. She does this by illuminating different spaces with colorful lights that spell out her short slogans. Although known for her large-scale displays on billboards and buildings, Holzer has recently been commissioned with designing memorials and monuments.

In all honesty, I did not find Holzer’s art work neither stimulating nor inspiring. Most of her works were oversimplified and  very critical.  Although most of her works did serve as short mottos that jumpstart the thinking process, as her intent, many of her slogans failed in leaving behind a lasting impression or influence in the viewer’s mind.

However, there was one art piece not discussed in the event that truly did leave a very lasting impact on me. After the event ended, I visited the USC Fisher Art Museum and carefully analyzed Holzer’s “Blacklist” exhibition. I believe it was effective in advocating the importance of the First Amendment and the freedom of speech. For more information on Holzer’s “Blacklist” exhibition, click here.

Below, I have attached select works of Jenny Holzer.

The Needs of Los Angeles

Los Angeles never stops growing. Ever since the first Europeans arrived in 1542 led by Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, Los Angeles has blossomed and grown into an almost endless metropolis. As Los Angeles grew in shape and population, its needs as a modern city have also evolved. In the midst of soaring skyscrapers, countless shopping districts, and an abundance of art museums, there is a grave need for genuine public space. A public space is more than just a shopping mall or a scenic beach. A public space, especially in Los Angeles, is a unique location that reflects the needs of the surrounding neighborhood while being completely available to the entire city. One such location is Pershing Square. Located in the heart of the Bunker Hill district of Los Angeles, Pershing Square serves a diverse range of citizens by creating a unified setting of culture and community. The five acre park is a major destination for all Angelinos, from across the city, as a serene place to spend Friday and Saturday evenings, listening to the local band on the performance stage and enjoying the plethora of surrounding dining venues. Pershing Square continues to be a unique outdoor space that meets the needs of the city as an iconic development of culture and community.

Pershing Square's Website

Pershing Square

Los Angeles has always been criticized for its serious lack of public space. Many barriers exist in deflecting members of the community from using these municipal spaces. Los Angeles libraries and parks are cluttered with vagrants looking for a temporary home. Public transportation has failed in keeping a safe environment for its patrons. Luxurious shopping and entertainment complexes have been built in underprivileged communities. In contrast, New York City, for example, has a successful public transportation system utilized by all classes of citizens. The socioeconomic barriers that hinder the effectiveness of public spaces in Los Angeles are a result of both historical and cultural consequences. However, a few public places do exist that serve the entire range of Los Angeles citizens.

For my second writing assignment, I have chosen to write about Pershing Square. Pershing Square is a public park in downtown Los Angeles. The park is exactly one square block in size, bounded by 5th Street to the north, 6th street to the south, Hill Street to the east, and Olive Street to the west. The uniqueness of Pershing Square comes from its significant location. Pershing Square is located in the affluent Bunker Hill area of Los Angeles. Home to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Wells Fargo Center, the One California Plaza Towers, and the John Ferraro Building, the community primarily serves affluent businessmen, bankers, and international art icons. A public park in such a luxurious non-residential community is a rare commodity in an urban city.

For my essay, I plan on discussing how Pershing Square, despite being located in one of the wealthiest areas of Los Angles, serves a broad and diverse range of Angelinos.

 Pershing Square looking north, circa 1909

Central courtyard

Belltower