Bruce Nauman

Partial Truth

previous next

About this artwork

Nauman is perhaps best known for his neon signs, which employ a mixture of vibrant colour and wordplay. In contrast to these, his recent artworks often employ a more sombre style. Comprised of a black granite slab carved with the words ‘partial truth’, this sculpture appears rather like a memorial plaque, and is reminiscent of 1960s minimalist artworks. Nauman here inscribes an abstract concept on to a physical object, perhaps questioning the ability of art to reveal hidden truths. Situated within a gallery space, language nevertheless becomes a tangible entity that demands the interaction between viewer and object.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
    Bruce Nauman (born 1941) American
  • title:
    Partial Truth
  • date created:
    1997
  • materials:
    Granite
  • measurements:
    55.00 x 60.70 x 6.00 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    ARTIST ROOMS National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. Acquired jointly through The d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Art Fund, 2008
  • accession number:
    AR00575
  • gallery:
This artwork is part of Artist Rooms
Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Tell us what you think.

Bruce Nauman

Bruce Nauman