What if a sculpture could speak volumes with just a few words arranged in a circle? That’s precisely what the LEX INJUSTA NON EST Sculpture does right here in Karlsruhe. It sits in the courtyard of the Bundesgerichtshof. The sculpture sparks contemplation about law, justice and injustice.
This intriguing artwork is the creation of Rudolf Herz. Herz was born in Allgäu and trained at the State Academy of Fine Arts in Munich. The LEX INJUSTA NON EST Sculpture emerged as the winning design in a 1998 competition. This competition was for an art installation to accompany the Federal Court of Justice’s new extension.
Herz himself provided an explanation of his work. He noted that the sculpture quotes the well-known phrase “LEX INJUSTA NON EST LEX”. That means “an unjust law is no law”. However, Herz takes it out of its linear order. He transforms it into a circle. The artist removes the original predicative “lex”. Reading on, the substantival “lex” can take over this function.
The LEX INJUSTA NON EST Sculpture is made of dark patinated bronze. It consists of 16 parts. Together, these parts form a ring that is five meters in diameter. The sculpture invites passersby to sit down on it. Herz created many projects in public spaces. He often collaborated with artist and theorist Thomas Lehnerer, who passed away in 1995. Herz’s work has received multiple awards.
The sculpture presents an artistically designed statement. It encourages reflection on law, injustice, and legislation. The circular arrangement prompts a re-evaluation of the phrase’s meaning. It makes you consider the relationship between justice and law.
There are two ways to interpret the phrase “LEX INJUSTA NON EST”. The first is that an unjust law does not exist. This implies every law is inherently just. The second interpretation is that justice is essential for a law to be valid. An unjust law is not a law at all.
The placement in the courtyard encourages interaction. The LEX INJUSTA NON EST Sculpture invites people to sit and ponder its message. Its circular form promotes endless reflection on justice. It stands as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue between law and morality. The LEX INJUSTA NON EST Sculpture is more than just art. It is a challenge to think deeply about the foundations of our legal system. It asks what makes a law truly just. So take a seat. Consider the meaning. Let the sculpture’s message resonate.