Whisper Bench (work of art)
Artwork Info
Key Ideas
- This interactive sculpture is made up of two brightly painted benches. They are connected to each other by an underground tube.
- When a person whispers into the tube on one bench, the sound travels to the listener at the other end.
- Jim Gallucci is a Greensboro-based sculptor who creates interactive art installations throughout the country.
- Gallucci’s whisper benches are a combination of art and architecture. They are designed to inspire visitor interaction. People get to interact with the works of art and with each other.
- Gates and doorways are a recurring motif, or thematic element, in Gallucci’s sculptures. His artistic intent is to invite people to enter and interact with his work.
Learn More
The two sections of this interactive sculpture are located on either side of a trail. These brightly painted benches are connected to each other by an underground tube. When a person whispers into the tube on one bench, the sound travels across the clearing. The person at the other end of the tube can hear what the other person is whispering.
Jim Gallucci is a sculptor who lives and works in Greensboro, North Carolina. He is often commissioned to create public art installations for parks, playgrounds, and neighborhoods throughout the United States. He uses painted steel and architectural forms to create his interactive works of art. Gallucci’s whisper benches are a playful mix of art and architecture. They are intended to inspire visitors to interact with the works of art and with each other.
My benches are publicly placed objects that invite interaction with the passers-by. The benches are playful objects that invite the public to sit and talk with a friend or acquaintance. Though each can function as a “seat,” there is an impracticality of form that lures viewers to explore each bench and try to discover what they are about.
Jim Gallucci
Gallucci uses gates and doorways as a motif in many of his interactive sculptures. According to him, these forms serve as entry points that give the public access to his art.
Additional Resources
Resources for Teachers
- Read the artist’s biography.
- Read a short article and watch an interview with Gallucci.
- Watch a video about the artist’s sculpting business.
Resources for Students
- Explore a web page to view photos of Gallucci’s projects.
- Read an article about a sculpture by this artist.
- Watch a video tour of the artist’s studio.
Images
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Whisper Bench
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Whisper Bench