Steel and Stainless Steel

Truth, justice and the American way. That was what Superman used to say, and it seemed like a plan. A way to live. Everyone had a chance, and the rules applied to everyone across the board. Truth is the contract that allows it all to work. Truth is the given that lets us believe the equation. Truth is the basis of civilization. When truth is evident, we trust the message. When truth is apparent, we can each go about our lives with confidence. Truth is a fragile trust. Once that trust is broken, it is very hard to regain. When that trust is broken, any statement is received with skepticism. If you cry wolf too many times, no one will listen, even when the threat is real. The sculpture “Truth” is a monument to the concept.

“Truth” is part of a series of sculptures that serve as a reminder that truth is an ideal we should aspire to promote. It is a concept that applies across all boundaries. It does not care where you come from or who your parents were, it does not care what group or party you belong to. The sculptures are a reminder of the importance of truth.

MacRae’s sculptures were built by hand. They drew them with a marker and a straight edge. They welded and ground the pieces. They painted them to preserve the metal. They are not perfect, there is evidence of their hand and of the labor that went into it. Like the concept, “Truth” the sculpture will last forever, yet with neglect it will start to rust.

This is a Cultural Currents installation. Cultural Currents is a project of Lane Arts Council and City of Eugene Cultural Services and is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.